Moeen Ali's ton powers England to 303/8 against Scotland

Christchurch, Feb 23 (IANS) Moeen Ali (128) scored his second One-Day Internatonal (ODI) century to power England to 303/8 against Scotland during a World Cup Pool A game at the Hagley Oval here Monday.

Left-hander Ali and fellow opener Ian Bell (54) provided a dream start for England.

They registered a 172-run partnership to put Scotland on the backfoot.

After scoring just nine runs in three overs, Ali started the onslaught with two boundaries and a six over mid-off in the fourth over bowled by right-arm medium pacer Josh Davey.

Continuing his aggression, Ali carted Alasdair Evans for two more fours in the next over.

He completed his fifty in 39 deliveries and lookwd on course for a big score.

Meanwhile, right-hander Bell also compiled a half-century in 80 balls.

Ali took the attack to off-spinner Majid Haq, hitting him for two sixes - his second one giving him his second century in 91 balls. Richie Berrinton was also pulverised all over the park by Ali.

Bell offered a catch at cover off a Haq delivery in the 30.1 overs. The 27-year-old Ali also followed him soon as he slogged a Haq delivery straight into the hands of Freddie Coleman at deep midwicket. His 107-ball 128 knock comprised 12 hit to the fence and five over it.

England captain Eoin Morgan showed a lot of signs of returning to form as the left-hander looked during his 46-run knock of 42 balls.

He along with Jos Buttler (14-ball 24) ensured that England cross 300-run mark.

For Scotland, Davey was the pick of the bowler, taking 4/68. Iain Wadlaw, Evans, Haq, Berrington took a wicket apiece.

Brief Scores: England 303/8 (Moeen Ali 128, Ian Bell 54; Josh Davey 4/68) against Scotland.