Three players scored hattricks as Pakistan began their Asian Games title defence with a 14-0 rout of Sri Lanka at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium in Incheon, South Korea, on Saturday.

Captain Muhammad Imran, who has been a rock in defense for the 'Greenshirts', netted four through penalty corners, while Muhammad Umar Bhutta and Muhammad Rizwan Sr scored three field goals each in a dominating performance by Pakistan.

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Muhammad Irfan (2), Muhammad Waqas (1) and Muhammad Tousiq (1) were the other scorers in a goal spree which began in the very first minute of the match against minnows Sri Lanka.

In their next game, Pakistan will take on China on September 21 before the potentially cracking clash against India on September 25. The Greenshirts will take on Oman in their last pool game on September 27.