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Cricket ODI: New Zealand's Jesse Ryder scores century in three-wicket win against Ireland

Jesse Ryder: On international duty for New Zealand against West Indies on New Year's Day this year
Image: Jesse Ryder: Smashed a century off 39 balls against Ireland

Jesse Ryder has improved his chances of earning an international recall by smashing a century off just 39 balls during a limited-overs match against Ireland in New Zealand.

Opening the innings for Otago, the 30-year-old from Wellington reached his half-century off only 16 deliveries and went on to make 136 as the hosts won by three wickets at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln.

Ryder, who played for Essex during the 2014 county season, cracked 18 fours and eight sixes in his 57-ball innings.

Ryder has not been selected by New Zealand’s head coach Mike Hesson since he was involved in a late night drinking session on the eve of the first Test against India in February.

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The most recent of his 48 ODIs came against India nine months ago – he has also played in 18 Tests.

However, this latest knock may just nudge Hesson into offering Ryder another chance with the Black Caps, especially as the World Cup is being staged in Australia and New Zealand early next year.

As for Thursday's match, Ireland made 248-8 from their 50 overs with opener Andy Balbirnie top-scoring with 59 off 80.

However, the tourists, who are downunder playing a number of one-day matches ahead of next year’s World Cup, were no match for Otago who clinched victory with more than 18 overs to spare.

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