23 February 2015 :Â Moeen Ali’s century led England to a 119-run victory over Scotland and a first victory of the World Cup.
Moeen scored 128 and shared 172 for the first wicket with the stuttering Ian Bell, who contributed 54.
But, when they were parted, England could only manage 131 runs in the final 20 overs as they posted 303-8.
Still, it was too many for Scotland, who never threatened an upset, despite Kyle Coetzer’s 71, and were bowled out for 184, with Steven Finn taking 3-26.
Following heavy defeats against co-hosts Australia and New Zealand,the success in Christchurch provides England with a much-needed morale boost.
However, little can be learned as to whether England are in better shape for the sterner tests to come – starting with Sri Lanka in Wellington on Sunday – given the nature of the opposition.
Scotland are the lowest-ranked one-day international side in Pool A and slip to the bottom of the table following the three-wicket defeat by New Zealand in their opening game.
Preston Mommsen’s side face Afghanistan on Thursday, likely to be their best chance for success in the tournament.
Still, there were times when they troubled England. An attack which began poorly improved to take eight wickets in the final 20 overs and ensure that Eoin Morgan’s men did not fully capitalise on a platform of 172-0 after the first 30.
At one point around the beginning of the batting powerplay, England lost three wickets for two runs in three overs, Moeen being caught on the leg-side boundary from the off-spin of Majid Haq, Gary Ballance continuing his poor run by chopping on to his own stumps and Joe Root edging behind.
Before that, Moeen, who gave a half-chance to cover on only seven, scored freely, particularly through fierce pull shots and lofts down the ground.
His 107-ball knock included five sixes and 12 fours and his second ODI century is also his highest score.
Source : BBC Sport
