New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi struck in the head during T20 World Cup match

Ish Sodhi’s teammates were “very concerned” when the New Zealander fell to the deck during a T20 World Cup match against Namibia.

For years, cricket pundits have speculated whether bowlers are in greater danger of being struck by a ball in their follow-through.

As players become more powerful and bats get thicker, it seems an inevitability that one day a straight drive will cause serious harm to an unsuspecting bowler.

And New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi sent a scare through the cricket world on Friday evening when he was struck in the head by a returning cricket ball.

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In the second innings on New Zealand’s T20 World Cup fixture against Namibia at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, all-rounder David Wiese smacked a full delivery back at Sodhi early in the 12th over.

Sodhi attempted to claim the return catch, but the ball burst through his fingers and struck his forehead.

The New Zealander fell to the deck grabbing at his face before returning to his feet as physios sprinted onto the field.

New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi fell to the deck after being struck on the head. Picture: Fox Cricket.

Sodhi was in immense discomfort after returning to his feet. Picture: Fox Cricket.

“Oh dear, that’s not good,” Natalie Germanos said in commentary.

“He’s hit that really hard straight back at Ish Sodhi.

“Hopefully everything is alright, he’s hit that with some power.

“Everyone is very concerned. Oh dear, I hope he’s alright.”

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson responded: “Goodness, that is not good.

“One positive to that was that it came off Ish Sodhi’s forearm onto his head.

“Goodness me, that’s going to hurt.”

Germanos continued: “It could also have even broken his forearm as well, because it was hit so hard.”

Glad Sodhi was up in time, hope he is fine and gets rest. His health far more important.

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) November 5, 2021

After team doctors examined Sodhi for several minutes, the 29-year-old was permitted to finish his over, finishing with match figures of 1/22 from three overs.

New Zealand ultimately claimed a comprehensive 52-run victory over the Namibians, putting the Black Caps one step closer to the T20 World Cup semi-finals.

Earlier in the contest, Glenn Phillips and Jimmy Neesham combined for an explosive 76-run partnership to help New Zealand register 4/163 in the first innings.

Namibia could only muster 7/111 in response.

“We did well for 15, 16 overs in the middle but the death overs didn‘t go our way,” Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus said.

“We have got one more game to nail that, against India.

“It was quite a tough pitch – 160 was a bit too much on that pitch today.”

The Kiwis need to defeat Afghanistan on Sunday evening to cement a spot in the knockouts.