SIMMERING Scotland must come to the boil if they are to bounce back from defeat at the hands of New Zealand to upset England in next week's World Cup encounter in Christchurch.

That was the verdict of skipper Preston Mommsen as his side licked their wounds following the disappointment of their opening Pool A defeat in Dunedin.

The Scots could only reflect on what might have been after a brilliant Black Caps bowling display saw them staring at humiliation on 12-4.

Half-centuries from Matt Machan and Richie Berrington helped them recover to reach 142 before the bowlers restored Scottish pride by claiming seven wickets.

But the damage had already been done as a razor sharp Kiwi attack cut through Scotland for whom five players were out for a duck - four of them to the first ball they faced.

It was a chastening experience for the Scots who are still looking for an elusive first win in World Cups but there is little doubt that New Zealand, among the tournament favourites, had the best of the conditions after winning the toss.

That offered some consolation to Mommsen though the skipper reflected ruefully on two dropped catches which might have put his side in with a chance of pulling off a major shock.

Both Brendon McCullum and Corey Anderson were let off the hook and that is an area Scotland must improve before lining up against England on Monday.
Despite the defeat, it was a performance which offered hope and Mommsen said: “I'm pretty happy with the fielding display minus those two chances, but in order for us to beat a team like New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka, we need to hang on to every chance we get.
“If we create 10 chances, we need to take 10 chances. I feel that's one way we're going to be able to beat a Full Member nation. I think we were at about 85% today, so there is some room in the tank.

“When we dropped Corey Anderson I thought that was a huge moment. But the boys kept coming back. Then to get Corey out eventually and then obviously Luke Ronchi, we were right in the game.”

Scotland's hopes appeared to be in ruins as Trent Boult and Tim Southee ripped through the top order.

However, Machan and Berrington compiled a face-saving 97-run partnership with both men reaching 50.

Sussex batsman Machan hit seven boundaries and a six in his 56 while Berrington also had a maximum in his 50.

Anderson, though, removed both men in quick succession as Scotland lost their last six wickets for just 33 runs.

In contrast, New Zealand's highest scorer Kane Williamson made just 38 as the Scottish bowlers battled to the end, Iain Wardlaw and Josh Davey claiming three scalps each while Majid Haq's one saw him become the country's leading wicket taker of all time.

Mommsen added: “I think Matt and Richie showed the skill that we're capable of as a batting unit.

“We were very close today and hopefully in our next game against England we can show a red hot display.”

New Zealand tail-end batsman and man-of-the-match Boult admitted nerves in the home camp were beginning to fray as Scotland kept on taking wickets.

He said: “It got a little scarier than we wanted. When I'm rushing around the changing room trying to chuck pads on it means we might be in a little bit of trouble.”