Malik suffers concussion after head knock

Pakistan allrounder Shoaib Malik is recovering from concussion after being struck on the head by the ball while batting during their loss to New Zealand in the fourth one-day international.

Malik, who was not wearing a helmet, was hit on the back of the head by a close-range throw from Colin Munro during Pakistan's first innings at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

The 35-year-old was returning to his crease after turning down an attempted single.

He was treated, continued batting but was dismissed soon afterwards for six when caught in the deep.

Pakistan team physiotherapist Vib Singh says he and a match doctor were initially unconcerned when they assessed Malik on the field.

"He did not have any symptoms of a concussion and was able to carry on playing. After getting out he was reassessed and was showing delayed concussion signs. He is doing well and is resting."

It is unclear if Malik, who didn't field, will play the fifth and final ODI in Wellington on Friday. His team trail 4-0.

Coach Mickey Arthur admits the player's spin bowling was sorely missed as New Zealand powered to a five-wicket win with 4.1 overs to spare in Hamilton, reaching 263-5 in response to the tourists' 262-8.

"With Malik out, he gave us 10 overs of off-spin which was very, very needed for us out there," he said.

"We could have taken pace off with a lot more overs.

"We always had Haris (Sohail) up our sleeve but Malik's a genuinely good offspinner and a proper offspinner, with all due respect to Haris."