A South African cricket fan will wake to a hangover-esque headache after a big night out at the T20 between the Proteas and West Indies, but not in the way most fans do.
It was a tough start to the night for fans in Johannesburg, as rain reduced the overs to 10 per side.
The players put on a show, with both sides surpassing 100, and the visitors went home with a six-run victory, as Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer led the charge with 48 apiece.
However, Hetmyer’s innings will be remembered for a harrowing scare turned comic relief after a fan copped a ball to the head while walking down to the stairs.
The big West Indian flicked a ball off his pads, sailing into the stands.
The unlucky fan appeared to see the ball coming, but his attempt at catching it was far from successful.
He raised his hands, but they never got close as the ball landed squarely on the side of his head.
The man fell to the ground with fans and players agonising over his fate, South African superstar Quinton de Kock covering his mouth with his cap on field.
Fortunately, the fan was able to spring to his feet with a cheeky grin, seeing the funny side of the frightening moment.
Fans are warned at all T20 matches to be on the lookout for balls flying into the crowd, while some on-field umpires have taken to wearing helmets and arm guards for protection against modern hitters.