India, Aug. 24 -- Edmund Lalrindika struck a dream derby hat-trick as a compact East Bengal produced a scintillating show to rout Mohun Bagan 4-1 and clinch a record-equalling 17th Durand Cup title here on Sunday. It also ended the Red and Gold's 22-year wait for the trophy, having last won in 2004 with a 2-1 win over Mohun Bagan.

The Antonio Lopez Habas-coached side were at their fluid best, with skipper Mohammed Rashid holding the midfield and orchestrating their attacks, as East Bengal handed their arch-rivals a nightmare start by scoring four goals in a breathtaking first half. Rashid set up Bipin Singh's opener in the 10th minute and later assisted Lalrindika's hat-trick goal in the 44th minute.

Playing as a lone forward in place o...