Moeen Ali smashed a rollicking 128 as England posted a challenging 303 for 8 in their cricket World Cup Group B clash against Scotland here today.
Ali struck 12 fours and five sixes in his 107-ball strokeful innings and shared 172 runs with Ian Bell (54) for the opening wicket to lay a strong foundation for England after being put to bat at the Hagely Oval.
The 27-year-old Ali hit a six off Majid Haq in the 29th over to score his second career century in his 20th ODI before being dismissed in the 35th over off the same bowler, hitting straight to Freddie Coleman at deep midwicket.
After Ali's dismissal, England, who were thrashed by Australia and New Zealand in their earlier matches, lost Gary Ballance (10) and Joe Root (1) in quick succession. From 201 from one, England were suddenly reduced to 203 for four in the space of just 10 balls.
That mini collapse put brakes in the slog overs as England could add 78 runs from the final 10 overs and 48 from the final five.
Captain Eoin Morgan scored a useful 42-ball 46 and shared 49 runs with Jos Buttler (24 of 14 balls) for the fifth wicket to push England for a final assault.
However, England again lost wickets in a heap towards the end with Buttler, Morgan and Chris Woakes (1) being dismissed in the space of six balls in the 49th and 50th overs. Davey was on a hat-trict in the final over but Stuart Broad denied him the honour.
Davey was the most successful Scotland bowler with figures of 4 for 68 in the match which was held four years and one day after the city was rocked by a devastating earthquake which killed 185 people.
