Zimbabwe opener Kelis Ndhlovu was taken to hospital for scans after being struck on the head by a bouncer during the second ODI against New Zealand at University Oval in Dunedin on Sunday.
The incident occurred early in Zimbabwe’s innings when Ndhlovu ducked into a short delivery from New Zealand pacer Bree Illing. Although she was wearing a helmet, the ball struck her and she immediately collapsed on the ground, prompting concern from players and medical staff.
Medical personnel quickly rushed onto the field to attend to Ndhlovu, who remained down for several minutes before being taken off the ground in an ambulance to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.
Ndhlovu had been involved in a steady opening stand of 25 with Modester Mupachikwa before the frightening moment halted play. Tendai Makusha later came in as Ndhlovu’s concussion substitute as Zimbabwe attempted to continue the innings.
Zimbabwe interim head coach Kate Ebrahim later provided an encouraging update on the young batter’s condition. Speaking after the match, she said Ndhlovu had begun responding while undergoing medical checks.
“We’ve received some good news. She’s responding now, which is really lovely to hear,” Ebrahim said. “She’s just recovering and we’ll see what the scans say and move on from there.”
Ebrahim also acknowledged the emotional impact of the incident on the team, particularly Mupachikwa, who was at the crease when the injury occurred. She said the team staff quickly checked on the players to ensure they were mentally ready to continue.
“It can be quite a shock for everyone,” Ebrahim said, adding that the team regrouped quickly to support each other.
The match itself saw New Zealand secure a comfortable eight-wicket victory, with Amelia Kerr producing a remarkable bowling performance to claim seven wickets and seal the ODI series 2-0 with one game still to play.