Pakistan take on hosts Sri Lanka in their next encounter on Wednesday. —ZR/File photo

LAHORE Safiullah Khan from Dir, who returned to the international arena after a lapse of three years, struck four goals as Pakistan thrashed Brunei Darussalam 6-0 in their second AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers (Group `D`) encounter at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo on Monday.

It was Pakistan`s first win under Austrian coach George Kottan. Striker Safiullah, who celebrated his 30th birthday last month, allowed no room to Brunei and struck with ease as Pakistan earned a commanding win.

Led by midfielder Mohammad Essa, Pakistan were on the offensive from the very start, fervently attacking while their opponents looked dangerous mostly on quick breaks.

Pakistan took the lead when Safiullah faked his way in for a dazzling 19th-minute goal.

Jadeed Khan from Chaman, who made his international debut last year, doubled the lead in the 30th minute when he dashed through the middle to do the needful. Pakistan led 2-0 at interval.

Pakistan continued their relentless foray and again broke through Brunei`s defence in the 61st minute with Safi steering the ball past their keeper from the distance of an arm`s length. Six minutes later Safi hammered his third to earn a hat-trick.

Safi, who made his international debut four years ago during the India-Pakistan series, added another, inflicting more pain on Brunei`s coach Mohammad Al Mustafa. Latching on to Adnan Farooq`s through pass to make it 5-0 in the 71st minute.

Midfielder Adnan Farooq was himself the executor in the 83rd minute. Adnan completed the rout with an angular drive following a defensive blunder.

It was a bad day for Riwandi Wahit-led Brunei which came close twice through Awangku Kamarul Ariffin but the striker was unimpressive with his fine touch.

The event resumes on Wednesday with Pakistan taking on hosts Sri Lanka and Brunei facing Chinese Taipei.