SYDNEY, Australia:

On the plus side for Eoin Morgan, his England squad now has a winning record at this World Cup against countries that aren't hosting the tournament.

After heavy back-to-back losses to co-hosts Australia and New Zealand, England were under intense pressure in their Pool A match against Scotland at Christchurch yesterday.

Scotland had never beaten England in a one-day cricket international, but were confident after giving New Zealand a scare and had no hesitation in sending the English in to bat after winning the toss.

Moeen Ali came to the fore, scoring 128 and sharing a 172-run opening stand with Ian Bell, who scored 54, to set England on course for a big total of 303 for eight.

He picked up two wickets, and Steve Finn recovered from the battering he took against New Zealand to take three for 26, as England bowled Scotland out of 184 in 42.2 overs to secure a 119-run victory.

England lost to Australia by 111 runs at Melbourne on the first day of the tournament, and slumped to an eight-wicket defeat to New Zealand last Friday after being bundled out for 123 - the Kiwis needed only 12 overs to reach the victory target.

England had some wobbles against Scotland, with Ali, Gary Ballance (10) and Joe Root (1) all dismissed within the space of 10 balls, but Morgan held the lower order together with partnerships of 49 with James Taylor (17) and 45 with Jos Buttler (24) until he was dismissed in the last over.

Scotland started confidently in reply, with South African-born opener Kyle Coetzer making 71 runs and hitting 11 boundaries, but the loss of early wickets derailed the run chase.