Pakistan opening batsman Imam Ul Haq was cleared off concussion after being taken to the hospital in an ambulance for scans following a blow on the helmet off fast bowler Lockie Fergusson during the 2nd ODI against New Zealand at Abu Dhabi.
Imam initially appeared fine after the Fergusson bouncer jarred his grille, knocking him off his feet in the first ball of the 13th over in Pakistan’s chase. But as soon as he looked set to carry on batting, he lost his balance and almost fell again. The physio was then advised by the umpires and opposition captain Kane Williamson to take him off. He was clearly dazed after the blow and it could have been a case of concussion.
Babar Azam walked into bat in place of Imam and started his innings with a delightful boundary. But minutes later an ambulance arrived near the sight screen and Imam was seen carried inside it in a stretcher.
However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later said that scans had shown that the player had suffered no damage.
"Imam-ul-Haq all scans clear. He joined the team and will remain under observation of Team Physio," the PCB tweeted.
Imam was batting on 16 when he had to retire hurt. Pakistan in the end, won the match comfortably by six wickets to draw level and take the series into the deciding third ODI on Sunday.
Imam had just returned to the side for this ODI series after a freak finger injury in the second Test against Australia last month.