Abu Dhabi, Jan 6 (IANS) India thrashed Thailand 4-1 to start their campaign at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup on an emphatic note here on Sunday.

This was India's first victory against Thailand since the Merdeka Cup of 1986.

The win put India at the top of the points table in Group A. They are followed by Bahrain and hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE), who had played out a 1-1 stalemate in the tournament opener on Saturday.

The astonishing scoreline, which perhaps surprised even the Indian players themselves, came on the back of a brace by star striker Sunil Chhetri (27th, 46th minutes) a maiden international goal by the young Anirudh Thapa (68th) and an exccellent finish by Jeje Lalpekhlua (80th).

--IANS ajb/prs