Pakistan batsman Imam-ul-haq was taken to hospital for scans after being hit on the helmet by a ferocious bouncer off New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson during the second One-Day International at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Friday.

Left-handed Imam, batting on 16 in Pakistan’s chase of 210 runs, couldn’t counter a pitch-perfect bouncer from right-arm speedster Ferguson – bowling from round-the-wicket – as the ball crashed on to the helmet, right between the front shade and the grill.

What was more terrifying was the opening batsman’s reaction: he, apparently, felt dizzy, took his helmet off and lay on to the ground for a few seconds before teammates and physio rushed in to check if he was alright.

Imam, eventually, got back to his feet and retired hurt. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where scans revealed he was fine, the PCB later revealed.

“Imam-ul-Haq all scans clear. He joined the team and will remain under observation of Team Physio,” read a statement on Twitter.

Pakistan recovered from the incident as they chased down the total with six wickets and almost 10 overs to spare to secure a 1-1 parity in the three-match series.

The two teams will now vie in the decider on Sunday.

ICYMI: Imam-ul-Haq has been taken to the hospital for scans after he was hit on the helmet earlier #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/hHsg8JYSAC

— Cricingif (@_cricingif) November 9, 2018