[jlangjr]

The second generation of the Asia Cup officially kicked off on New Year's Day 2016, and it was a tournament defined by the absolute, crushing dominance of a single nation. While the elite established their footing in Division 1, China turned Division 2 into a highlight reel, setting the stage for a historic run to the title.

The top 16 from each division punched their tickets to the knockout rounds, but the path there couldn't have looked more different for the two groups.

Division 1: It was a battle of attrition at the top. Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Japan, and Pakistan all looked like world-beaters, each dropping 3 or fewer games. Australia followed closely behind with 10 losses, securing their spot in the bracket.

Division 2: In a historic display of perfection, China swept through Division 2 with a 31–0 record. While Vietnam, Myanmar, and Thailand put up strong 5-loss campaigns, they were all living in the shadow of the Dragon.

Once the bracket began, China proved their 31–0 regular season was no fluke. They dismantled every opponent in their path with a combination of elite pitching and timely hitting:

R16: Defeated Cambodia (4–0)
QF: Edged out Iran (2–1)
SF: Shut down Iraq (2–0)
Finals: Defeated Bangladesh (2–0) and finally India (2–1) in a tense championship series.

China finished the Asia Cup with a staggering 43–2 overall record, cementing themselves as the new kings of the continent.

WBC Qualified & ASIA Champion: China (2)
ASIA Runner-up: India
ASIA 3rd: Bangladesh, Pakistan

Additional AAEC Qualifiers:
5th–8th: Iraq, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia
9th–16th: Iran, Japan, Australia, Israel, Syria, Afghanistan, Thailand, Philippines