England have bounced back from its humiliating loss to New Zealand with a 119-run win over Scotland.
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England has responded following its opening two losses at the Cricket World Cup with a 119-run win over Scotland in Christchurch.
A record World Cup opening stand of 172-run between Moeen Ali and Ian Bell sent England on its way to an innings total of 8 for 303 to put itself in a strong position after 50 overs.
Aside from Kyle Coezter (71), Scotland put up little fight with the bat and were bowled out for 184.
The result could have been very different after Moeen Ali was dropped by Freddie Coleman in the opening stages of the match, allowing Ali to push onto a total of 128.
With England seemingly cruising at 172 runs for no loss, Ian Bell was caught at extra cover by Kyle Coetzer on 54.
Ali fell not long after on 128 to give Scotland a window of opportunity to stamp its authority on the game with the ball.
Gary Ballance did little to disprove the theory that he is unsuited to batting at number three after he fell cheaply for just 10.
Under-fire captain Eoin Morgan then stepped up to the crease and was clearly attempting to hit himself back into form, smashing an 85 metre six down the ground at Hagley Park.
England then pushed on to hit the ‘par’ total of 300 before Scotland captain Preston Mommsen pulled out two fine diving catches to dismiss Morgan (46) and Chris Woakes (1) late on in the opening innings.
Chasing England’s total of 303, Scotland got off to a poor start and found themselves floundering at 54-3 after Matt Machan was caught behind for just five runs.
Kyle Coetzer and Preston Mommsen then steadied the ship for Scotland before Mommsen fell for 26 after being caught in the deep by Stuart Broad.
The middle order put up very little resistance by the England bowling attack and after Coezter was dismissed for 71, hopes of a Scotland win were fading fast.
Scotland’s tail-end crumbled and it was all over when Majid Haq top-edged a Chris Woakes delivery and was caught by Gary Ballance.
England now faces a must-win clash against Sri Lanka on Sunday, while Scotland will aim to get its first World Cup win against Afghanistan on Thursday.
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