The loss was a big blow for Sri Lanka, who had salvaged a point in added-on time against Maldives on Matchday One, the-afc.com reported.

Striker Abdusalomov (pictured above) was Uzbekistan’s hero as he hit four goals, the first of which was struck in the third minute.

It was a blow Sri Lanka were not going to recover from as midfielder Izzatov (pictured below) doubled Uzbekistan’s lead in the 11th minute.

Kenjabaev Islom made it 3-0 in the 18th and three minutes later, Abdusalomov scored his second as Sri Lanka struggled to control the tide of goals.

There was to be no respite, though, as Islom was on target again in the 25th minute before Uzbekistan took their foot off the pedal for the remainder of the first half.

Aware that goals could prove crucial in the battle for top spot in the group, Uzbekistan came into the second half with renewed vigour and were rewarded in the 63rd minute as Zokirov scored their sixth.

He quickly followed that up with his second four minutes later before Abdusalomov notched his hat-trick in the 78th minute.

Sri Lanka were powerless to stop Uzbekistan, who rounded off their day with further strikes from Mozgovoy (83rd) and Abdusalomov (89th).

Up next for Uzbekistan are Maldives on Saturday while Sri Lanka will meet Tajikistan.