India, April 5 -- A brutal incident took place in the third ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan at Mount Maunganui, as Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq was forced to retire hurt and be rushed to a hospital after being struck beneath his helmet by the ball.

In a freak incident during Pakistan's run-chase, Imam ran through for a quick single. However, a throw from Kiwi fielder bizarrely struck him below the helmet grill, lodging and getting stuck under it.

Imam immediately reacted with pain as the ball struck him, dropping his bat and falling to the ground. The ball seemed to sneak in from under his grill and strike him on the jaw and nose.

The Pakistan physio then ran on to the field to check on the southpaw opener, but it wasn't good news ...