New Delhi, 10 March (H.S.): Zimbabwe women's cricket team opener Kelis Ndhlovu has been ruled out of the third and final ODI against New Zealand due to a concussion sustained during the previous match in Dunedin. The crucial encounter is set for Wednesday.
Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed in a statement that Ndhlovu briefly lost consciousness after the incident but showed no signs of severe complications. An MRI scan verified no skull fracture, following which she received treatment and was discharged from the hospital. A follow-up check on Tuesday morning revealed no additional concerns, though she remains under medical observation.
The injury occurred in the seventh over of Zimbabwe's innings during the second ODI, when a bouncer from New Zealand pacer Bree Illing struck Ndhlovu on the head—despite her helmet—while she attempted to evade the short delivery. She had already built a 25-run opening partnership with Modester Mupachikwa at that stage, but collapsed immediately on the field. Medical teams provided on-site care before transporting her to the hospital by ambulance, with Tendai Makusha entering as concussion substitute.
New Zealand seized control thereafter, dismissing Zimbabwe for a modest total and chasing it down with eight wickets in hand. Spinner Amelia Kerr's remarkable seven-wicket haul sealed a commanding victory, handing the hosts an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
