England collected their first win at the ICC Cricket World Cup when they beat Scotland by 119 runs in Christchurch.

Moeen Ali scored 128, his second ODI century, to help push England beyond 300, a total that proved to be comfortably out of Scotland’s reach.

Kyle Coetzer made 71 in the chase but lacked support as their innings ended in just 42.2 overs for only 184.

Despite losing their opening two matches England selected the same starting line-up, leaving Alex Hales again on the sidelines.

The Nottinghamshire opener watched on as Ali and Ian Bell responded to being put in on a cloudy morning by helping themselves against some less-than-threatening bowling.

Any early nerves that England may have had were quickly quashed as Ali put bat to ball and brought up a fluent 50 from 39 balls.

Bell played the supporting role, almost to the point of appearing out of touch but his name will now feature in the list of England’s record opening partnerships.

Barry Wood and Dennis Amiss had put 158 on against East Africa at Edgbaston in the first World Cup competition in 1975.

That partnership was eclipsed with the shot that took Ali to his hundred, with 9 fours and 4 sixes.

Bell had moved to 54, reaching the boundary only twice, when he perished with the score on 172 at the start of the 31st over.

An inflexible approach saw England stick with the same batting order when perhaps the opportunity to push on was needed.

Gary Ballance made only 10, Joe Root scored a single and James Taylor scampered his way to 17 before being sent on his way by a smart stumping from Matt Cross.

Eoin Morgan returned to a semblance of form with 46, which included two maximums and Jos Buttler scored 24 as England finished on 303-8.

England’s seamers were quickly amongst the Scotland top order, as Anderson, Woakes and Finn bagged a wicket apiece.

Stuart Broad bowled with good pace and was unlucky not to collect a wicket or two but the Nottinghamshire man looked close to his best form.

Finn eventually emerged with the best bowling figures, claiming 3-26 but it was Ali who ensured himself the Player of the Match Award by taking 2-47, including the wicket of Coetzer.

The result means that England remain on course for a place in the knock-out stages but face a huge obstacle in their next match, against Sri Lanka next Sunday in Wellington.

England’s hopes of progression may well result in them breaking a sequence that means they haven’t won back to back ODIs for more than a year.

Scotland’s ambitions remain a little more modest. Perhaps their best chance of a success will come in their next match when they face fellow Associates, Afghanistan, in Dunedin on Thursday.

 

Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don't miss the chance to watch England seek redemption against the Kiwis and secure your seat now.