Black Ferns wicketkeeper Bernadine Bezuidenhout and Pakistan batter Aliya Riaz. Photo: photosport
Struggling to find a balance between work and play is behind White Ferns wicketkeeper batter Bernadine Bezuidenhout's decision to retire from international cricket.
Born in South Africa, Bezuidenhout made her debut for her birth country in 2014 before moving to New Zealand and debuting for the White Ferns in 2018.
She is one of only nine female cricketers to have represented two nations at the highest level.
Outside of cricket, Bezuidenhout has made a career in the non-profit and social enterprise, founding The EPIC Sports Project Charitable Trust, which aims to use sport to inspire hope and belonging in young people in high-deprivation communities and break barriers to participation in sport.
Bezuidenhout said playing for New Zealand had "been a huge privilege and honour and it's left me with the fondest memories".
"It's been such a great ride.
"The journey has taught me so much and I'll be forever grateful to everyone who has been on the path with me."
White Ferns batter Bernadine Bezuidenhout Photo: Michael Thomas / www.photosport.nz
After playing 11 times for South Africa and 38 times for the White Ferns, Bezuidenhout said her charitable trust was at the forefront of her decision to retire.
"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."
White Ferns coach Ben Sawyer thanked Bezuidenhout for her committed service.
"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," Sawyer said.
"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."
Bezuidenhout will remain available for her Major Association Northern Districts and has confirmed her intention to continue playing domestic cricket next season.