Kerala Blasters produced a dominant attacking display to thrash Panjim Footballers 5-0 in the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy on Thursday. Sreekuttan's clinical hat-trick spearheaded the emphatic win at Duler Stadium, while Muhammed Nisham and Sukham Meitei added further goals for the Indian Super League side.

Sreekuttan wasted no time in putting Kerala Blasters ahead. He latched onto Thingujam Singh's through ball and fired past the Panjim goalkeeper to open the scoring in the early minutes. The visitors doubled their lead in the 27th minute through a brilliant half-volley from Muhammed Nisham.

Panjim Footballers' woes deepened shortly before halftime when their substitute goalkeeper, Pratik Kankonkar, was shown a red card for a reckless challenge. Kerala Blasters capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Sreekuttan completing his brace from Ebindas' assist.

Ebindas continued to torment the Panjim defense, setting up Sukham Meitei for a stunning long-range strike that left the Panjim custodian with no chance. Kerala Blasters led 4-0 at the break.

The second half was a one-sided affair. Sreekuttan completed his hat-trick early in the second period, converting a pass from Rehan Rajeev. Rehan nearly added another himself but his effort rattled the crossbar.

Panjim Footballers' misery was compounded when Ajay Raj's header struck the woodwork. Their hopes of a comeback were extinguished when substitute goalkeeper Pratik Kankonkar was shown a red card for a rash challenge.

Tempers flared in stoppage time, resulting in straight red cards for Panjim's Mackenzie Figueiredo and Kerala's Rehan Rajeev following a physical altercation.