Black Caps v Pakistan: Rachin Ravindra suffers head injury in New Zealand’s win

Black Caps batter Rachin Ravindra suffered a sickening blow to the head after he appeared to misjudge a catch during their One-Day International victory over Pakistan.

The 25-year-old was fielding at deep square leg when he seemed to lose sight of the ball against the Gaddafi Stadium floodlights as he shaped to take a catch to dismiss Khushdil Shah.

Blood poured from the head of a dazed Ravindra while the crowd looked on with concern. After being treated, he left the field holding a bandage tight to his bloodied forehead.

“Ravindra was forced from the field after being struck in the forehead by the ball attempting a catch in the 38th over,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.

“He sustained a laceration to the forehead which has been addressed and treated at the ground, but is otherwise well. He came through his first HIA [Head Injury Assessment] well and will continue to be monitored under HIA processes.”

Earlier, Ravindra had scored 25 from 19 balls at the top of the order as New Zealand piled up 330-6 before his team went on to claim a 78-run win. Glenn Phillips, who scored a maiden ODI hundred, expressed his concern for Ravindra after the match.

“It was a pretty terrifying moment - he lost the ball in the lights and unfortunately the ball won that situation this time,” Phillips said.

The match was part of a tri-nations series which also features South Africa and is a warm-up ahead of the Champions Trophy later this month.