Asia Cup 2016: 10 facts you must know ahead of the much-awaited tournament

In Asia Cup, India have played 43 matches, winning 26, losing 16 and one ending in no result.

New Delhi: The stage is all set for the Asia Cup to begin from February 24. This year's edition would be totally different as for the first time, the tournament will be played in the T20 format.

Here are ten facts you must know about the tournament:

The Asia Cup will be played in Bangladesh from February 24 to March 6.

A qualifying round will begin on February 19, between Afghanistan, UAE, Hong Kong and Oman. The winner of the qualifying round will join the four Full Member teams in the region for the main draw which starts from February 24.

For the first time in Asia Cup history, the tournament will be played in T20I format considering the upcoming ICC World Twenty20 to be held in India.

Sri Lanka are the defending champions. Under Angelo Mathews' captaincy, the Lankans defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets in the final of the previous edition.

India and Sri Lanka are the two most successful teams in the tournament with five titles each. Pakistan have won the tournament on two occasions while Bangladesh’s best finish has been their runner-up performance in the 2012 edition.

All the matches will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur.

India have played 43 matches, winning 26, losing 16 and one ending in no result.

Sanath Jayasuriya is the highest run-scorer in Asia Cup with 1220 runs followed by Kumar Sangakkara (1075) and Sachin Tendulkar (971).

Dhoni has captained India in 13 Asia Cup matches.

Sri Lanka’s Arjuna Ranatunga and Dhoni are the most successful captains in tournament with nine wins and four losses each.