On a comeback trail, Jesse Ryder scores a 39-ball hundred against Ireland

FILE PHOTO: Jesse Ryder

Ousted New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder on Thursday belted a century off just 39 balls against Ireland. The 30-year-old was playing for his provincial side Otago against Ireland XI for the Associate Warm-Up matches for the World Cup.

He finished with 136 off 57 balls as the Kiwi side completed the chase of 249 with 108 balls to spare.

It took the left-hander only 16 balls to reach half-century and the knock had 8 sixes and 18 fours.

Ireland XI posted 248/8 on the back of half-century from opener Andy Balbirnie and a 41-ball 43 from No.11 Andy McBrine. For Otago, Iain Robertson also chipped in with a half-century in a comfortable chase.

Ryder was dropped from the national side last February citing disciplinary issues after a late-night drinking session.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson indicated this month that Ryder`s international career was not necessarily over but "he`s got a lot of ground to make up".

The Black Caps, who are not yet a settled ODI unit, are in hunt for a good opening combination. All-rounder James Neesham was the latest of the experimentation when he opened alongside Martin Guptill in the series-opener against South Africa where the hosts were defeated by 6 wickets.