Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE women’s cricket tour of New Zealand received a huge blow yesterday after a terrifying incident that saw opening batter Kelis Ndhlovu rushed to hospital after being struck on the head by a ferocious bouncer.
This was during the second One-Day International match against the White Ferns at the University Oval ground.
Everything came to a standstill in the early stages of Zimbabwe’s innings when Ndhlovu, on 9, attempted to duck a short delivery from New Zealand fast bowler Bree Illing.
The ball crashed into her helmet, causing the batter to collapse immediately.
Medical staff from both teams rushed to the fallen batter, who received urgent on-field treatment for several minutes before being carefully strapped to a stretcher and taken from the field in an ambulance for further evaluation.
Zimbabwean players were visibly distressed.
However, interim head coach Kate Ebrahim delivered a positive update on Ndhlovu’s condition after the match won by New Zealand by eight wickets to claim the series.
“We have received some good news. She’s responding now, which is really lovely to hear,” said Ebrahim.
“She is just recovering and we will just see what the scans say and we will move on from there.”
The coach also revealed the immediate emotional toll the incident took on the squad, particularly on Ndhlovu’s opening partner, Modester Mupachikwa, who was at the non-striker’s end when the ball struck.
“I just made sure that the other opener was in a position to sort of mentally carry on,” Ebrahim explained.
“She was right there with her. Yeah, so I just touched base, made sure she was okay. It can be quite a shock really, for everyone.”
Following the concussion substitution rule, Tendai Makusha was brought in as Ndhlovu’s replacement, coming in at number three.
