Bezuidenhout retires from international cricket

New Zealand wicketkeeper batter, Beenadine Bezuidenhout, has called time on her international career. The decision to retire was made so that she could focus on The EPIC Sports Project, the charitable trust set up by her. 

Born in South Africa, Bezuidenhout, represented the nation of her birth in 2014 before she moved to the land of the long white cloud and made her debut for them in 2018. She has played 20 ODIs (four for South Africa) and 29 T20Is (7 for South Africa). 

It's been such a great ride. Playing for the WHITE FERNS has been a huge privilege and honour and it's left me with the fondest memories. The journey has taught me so much and I'll be forever grateful to everyone who has been on the path with me," she said. "I'm at peace with this decision but it wasn't an easy one to make.

"I've struggled to find a balance between my work and playing career for a while now, and after a lot of thought and reflection I feel that it's the right time to pivot and put my full focus on The EPIC Sports Project," said Bezuidenhout.

"I want to thank Bernie for the contributions she's made to the WHITE FERNS on the field, and for the caring qualities she brought to the group off the field," said New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer. "We're proud of the work that Bernie does outside of cricket and I have no doubt she'll continue to make a positive impact on the lives of many."

Meanwhile, Bezuidenhout,  will remain available for her Major Association Northern Districts as she stated that she plans to play domestic cricket next season.