Christchurch, New Zealand: Moeen Ali’s century powered England to their best performance in the World Cup so far as they scored 303 for eight after being sent into bat against Scotland in Christchurch on Monday.

Ali’s 128 in a commanding opening partnership with Ian Bell (54) set England up at the top of the innings in their effort to turn around a disastrous start to the tournament.

Their 172-run stand was the best opening stand in the tournament so far and only the third century partnership for the first wicket, behind two from New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill.

But the enigma that is England quickly returned with another batting slump after the impressive Ali and Bell were removed.

Ali’s dismissal started a run of three wickets for two runs with Gary Ballance (10) and Joe Root (one) quickly removed and England slumped from 201 for one to 203 for four before skipper Eoin Morgan resumed the run-gathering with 46.

The brakes also went on the run-rate, with Ali and Bell reaching their 172 in 30 overs while the remaining 20 overs produced 131.

England needed time in the middle to play themselves into form after being thrashed in their first two games by co-hosts Australia and New Zealand.

They were sent in to bat when Scotland won the toss and looked to capitalise on the heavily overcast conditions ripe for swing bowling.

But with Ali on the charge and Bell playing a measured support role, England benefitted from an early ragged attack and an element of luck as they made a flying start.

Josh Davey’s first spell only lasted two overs with the first including four wides and the second seeing him concede 14 runs, as well as having Ali dropped off a sharp chance to Freddie Coleman.

Alasdair Evans, brought into the attack earlier than expected, rapped Bell on the pads with his second ball.

The lbw shout was turned down and Scotland decided not to appeal, although replays showed the ball would have clipped the leg stump.

Bell had another let off on 16 when Davey came back into the attack and missed a hard caught and bowled chance.

Bell added another 38 runs before he drove Richie Berrington straight to Kyle Coetzer in the covers.

Three overs later Ali was caught off the bowling of Majid Haq to end his confident 128 off 107, the second century in his 19 match ODI career.

Ali had reached his century by belting Haq over the fence for one of the five sixes in in his innings which also included 12 fours.

Ballance’s disappointing run continued when he was bowled by Evans and Root nicked Davey to Matt Cross behind the stumps.

Davey, who removed Morgan and Chris Woakes with consecutive balls in the final over, finished with four wickets for an expensive 68 runs.