Hosts Bangladesh took their place in Group 2 of the World Twenty Super 10 - but only after losing to Hong Kong and facing a real scare.
Needing only to avoid a heavy defeat to reach the next round after wins over Afghanistan and Nepal, the Tigers were skittled for a paltry 108 and then saw their opponents race to 44 for one.
Hong Kong would have had to chase their victory target down in 13.2 overs to send the home side packing at the expense of Nepal, but were slowed by spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah, although they were still delighted with a famous two-wicket victory.
Having chosen to field, Hong Kong’s Tanwir Afzal was rewarded with the wickets of Tamim Iqbal and Sabbir Rehman in an excellent opening over, which Bangladesh finished on three for two.
Anamul Haque and Shakib rebuilt with a partnership of 48 but once they perished, for 26 and 34 respectively, the Tigers threw wickets away at regular intervals to find themselves bowled out with 21 deliveries unused.
Nadeem Ahmed’s 4-21 and Nizakat Khan’s 3-19 were the pick of Hong Kong’s bowling figures.
After Irfan Ahmed plundered 10 runs from the first over of the reply, Bangladesh’s place in the Super 10 stage was under threat, but spinners Shakib, who finished with 3-9, and Mahmudullah, who took 2-13, proved difficult to get away.
Irfan fell for a bright 34 before huge cheers went up when the crowd were informed of Bangladesh’s progress to the next stage midway through the 14th over, by which time Hong Kong required a run a ball with five wickets remaining.
Munir Dar made 36 from 27 balls, and Haseeb Amjad hit the winning six.
Bangladesh will now face India, Pakistan, Australia and holders West Indies in the next round.