Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE Women opener Kelis Ndhlovu is recovering at home after a frightening moment during the second One-Day International against New Zealand in Dunedin on Sunday left her with a concussion.
The 20-year-old was struck on the head by a sharp rising delivery from New Zealand fast bowler Bree Illing in the seventh over as she tried to sway away from the short ball.
She went down almost immediately.
Play stopped as medical staff rushed onto the field to attend to the Zimbabwe batter before she was taken to the hospital by ambulance for further checks.
Zimbabwe Cricket later confirmed that Ndhlovu briefly lost consciousness after the blow.
An MRI scan ruled out a skull fracture and she was discharged later the same day, after treatment.
Further examinations on Tuesday showed no complications and the opener has since returned home, where she is resting under medical supervision.
Before the incident, Ndhlovu and Modester Mupachikwa had given Zimbabwe a steady start with a 25-run opening stand.
The concussion means she will miss the third and final ODI of the tour, which begins at midnight, Zimbabwe time.
Zimbabwe have already lost the three-match series after defeats in the opening two games.
The tour is Zimbabwe Women’s first campaign in the ICC Women’s Championship, the pathway that determines qualification for the Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Zimbabwe Cricket said Ndhlovu will continue to be monitored as she recovers.
