Ryder dropped from NZ squad for World T20

WELLINGTON, Feb 16 (AP): Troubled batsman Jesse Ryder has been omitted from New Zealand's squad for next month's World Twenty20 tournament in Bangladesh after being fined for a late-night drinking binge prior to a test match.

Ryder was seen drinking in Auckland bars with teammate Doug Bracewell in the early hours of the morning before the first day of the first cricket test against India this month. Both players accepted a charge of misconduct and were fined for their actions.

Ryder was omitted from the New Zealand squad for the second Test against India that began in Wellington Friday. Bracewell was also excluded due to a broken bone in his foot. Ryder's place on the Twenty20 squad taken by the part-time spinner Kane Williamson, who is considered a possible asset on Bangladesh's slow, turning pitches.