Zimbabwe opener Kelis Ndhlovu has been ruled out of the third and final ODI against New Zealand after suffering a concussion during the second match in Dunedin. The incident occurred when Ndhlovu was struck on the head by a short ball while batting.
Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed that Ndhlovu briefly lost consciousness after being hit by a bouncer from New Zealand seamer Bree Illing in the seventh over of Zimbabwe’s innings. Despite wearing a helmet, she collapsed on the field and required immediate medical attention before being taken to hospital by ambulance.
A statement from Zimbabwe Cricket said medical scans showed no serious structural damage. An MRI confirmed there was no skull fracture, and Ndhlovu was later discharged from hospital after treatment. She returned for further medical checks the following morning, where doctors confirmed there were no additional complications, although she will continue to be monitored as part of concussion protocols.
Ndhlovu had earlier added 25 runs for the opening wicket with Modester Mupachikwa before the unfortunate incident forced her retirement. Tendai Makusha came in as her concussion substitute during the match.
The second ODI ultimately ended in a comfortable win for New Zealand, who secured an eight-wicket victory to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. All-rounder Amelia Kerr delivered a standout performance with the ball, claiming seven wickets to dismantle Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.
With the series already decided, Zimbabwe will now play the final ODI without Ndhlovu as she continues her recovery under medical supervision.