Ngidi injury halts play after heavy fall
2.3 Axar Patel to Priyansh Arya turned into a worrying moment. Arya lofted a mistimed shot towards mid-off where Lungi Ngidi came in, called it, then misjudged it badly while backtracking. He fell heavily, landing on the back of his head. He stayed down immediately. The physio rushed in, followed by DC’s support staff including Munaf Patel. Tristan Stubbs and David Miller stood close, visibly shaken, while Ashutosh Sharma also ran in from the dugout.
The on-field umpire quickly called for attention as Ngidi did not move for a few seconds. A stretcher was brought out, followed by an ambulance onto the ground.
The DJ stopped and the crowd went silent. Dushmantha Chameera was seen warming up, expected to come in as a concussion substitute. KL Rahul also looked fatigued behind the stumps as medical staff checked Ngidi.
Medical team stabilises Ngidi on field
Ngidi was still on the turf as doctors assessed him and placed a neck brace. He was responsive, speaking to the physio and moving his fingers on instruction, which brought some relief. The stretcher was then used to move him carefully towards the ambulance positioned at the boundary.
Players from both sides gathered briefly before being asked to step back. Tristan Stubbs and David Miller watched on as the South African quick received prolonged treatment. The ground remained quiet with no music, only instructions from medical staff. DC bowling coach Munaf Patel was also on the field during the checks.
Officials confirmed he would not continue and a concussion substitution option was being considered with Dushmantha Chameera ready in the dugout.
Punjab maintain fast start amid interruption
Despite the stoppage, Punjab Kings kept their tempo high. The innings had already exploded in the first two overs, with Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya attacking from ball one. In Axar Patel’s over, Arya struck a boundary and a six, while a wide and a single kept the pressure on Delhi Capitals.
Ngidi’s injury had come in that same over when he misjudged Arya’s lofted shot at mid-off, landing badly on his head. The chase continued with momentum undisturbed as Punjab reached 43 without loss after 2.3 overs, ahead.