New Zealand have lost the services of Dean Brownlie for the third and final ODI against Zimbabwe, which gets underway in Napier on Thursday.

Brownlie fractured a finger on his left hand while fielding in the second one-dayer.

"Dean complained of soreness with the hand becoming more painful and swollen today. An X-ray confirmed a fracture," said team physiotherapist Paul Close.

The all-rounder's ailment leaves him in doubt for the first of three Twenty20 Internationals against South Africa on 17 February.

"He is expected to miss the remainder of the Zimbabwe series but it's a bit early to tell how long he will be out," added Close.

"His return to cricket will be based on how quickly the fracture heals and we should have a clearer idea of the time frame and best course of treatment after he meets with the orthopaedic surgeon.

The Black Caps sport an unassailable two-nil series lead over the touring Zimbabweans after big wins at McLean Park and Cobham Oval.