A beleaguered England side, who were embarrassed by both co-hosts Australia and New Zealand, posted a total of 303-8 from their 50 overs, which owed much to Moeen Ali's brilliant 128.

At one point, Eoin Morgan's men had the perfect platform as they were 172-0 after the first 30 overs, but they couldn't quite capitalise on what appeared to be a start conducive to a colossal total as Scotland managed to keep a lid on the run rate.

The out-of-form Morgan helped boost their total to above the golden 300 mark as he hit 46 runs off 42 balls, and in truth Scotland never really looked like causing an upset.

Opener Kyle Coetzer did hit a belligerent 71 but his side were eventually bowled out for 184 as England claimed their first victory of the tournament.

Right from the outset, Ali exhibited his shot-playing prowess as he dispatched the modest Scottish attack to all parts of the ground as he looked at ease at the crease, although fellow opener Ian Bell rather limped his way to 54 from 85 balls.

Opener Moeen Ali top scored with a brilliant 128 as England bounced back from their two opening defeats to beat Scotland ©Getty Images



His dismissal sparked a mini-collapse from England as Gary Ballance and Joe Root were both removed cheaply, before Morgan and wicket-keeper Jos Buttler steadied the ship somewhat to ensure they posted a total that would prove to be out of Scotland's reach.

The Scots lost wickets at regular intervals as they chased an unlikely 304 to win, with Steven Finn returning to form by taking 3-26.

The defeat leaves Scotland rock bottom of Pool A after they lost to New Zealand in their opener, and captain Preston Mommsen will be hoping they can claim their first win when they face fellow minnows Afghanistan on Thursday (February 26).

England's win would have given them a much-needed morale boost ahead of their vital clash with Sri Lanka in Wellington on Sunday (March 1).

The tournament continues tomorrow (February 24) when West Indies take on Zimbabwe in Canberra.

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