ABU DHABI: Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad suffered a fractured skull after being hit by a bouncer during the second day of the first Test against New Zealand on Monday.

Shehzad, 22, hit a wicket off New Zealand's seamer Corey Andeson. He scored a career-best 176 but was dismissed in the last over before lunch.

Shehzad attempted a hook but missed the ball which hit him on the side of the temple. He fell and as he did so, his bat hit the stumps for a hit-wicket dismissal.

Shehzad felt dizzy and had to be helped off the field by team physio Brad Robinson.

He was rushed to a hospital where a scan revealed a minor fracture.

“Shehzad's CT scan shows depressed fracture of zygomatic arch of skull," a Pakistan Cricket Board release said.

“The specialist surgeon has confirmed minor fracture and has advised 48 hours of close monitoring. In case the pain doesn't subside then the surgeon may opt for decompression,” said team manager Moin Khan.