Records tumbled as Bucks CCC chased down 490 runs to win their opening Unicorn Counties Championship match of the season against Hertfordshire.

An unbeaten double century from debutant Tom Smith (244*) – the highest score ever made by a Bucks batsman in their 120-year history – helped the hosts to victory with one hour to spare on Tuesday as they reached 490-4.

A third wicket stand of 255 with Shaan Khan, who contributed 147, was the bedrock for the highest run chase in Bucks’ history, which was made even more remarkable by the fact they were on the back foot for much of the first two days.

The three day match, which was held at High Wycombe, saw captain Michael Payne put Hertfordshire into bat, a decision which he was left to regret as unbeaten double centuries from Ed Ballard (248*) and Tanweer Sikandar (209*) produced a stand of 431 for the third wicket – the highest ever partnership in minor counties cricket – to see them reach 487-2 in their allotted 90 overs.

Bucks lost wickets regularly in their reply and were bowled out for 290, with Smith, who is on the books of Gloucestershire, once again top scoring with 84.

Hertfordshire declined to enforce the follow on but looked to have compiled an unassailable lead when they declared on 291-7 in their second innings.

Tom Hampton (8) and Shelvin Gumbs (14) departed to leave Bucks on 50-2, paving the way for Khan to come to the crease and join Smith.

The pair’s combined total of 391 runs came off just 410 balls as the home side raced towards the winning line with a swift 65 from skipper Payne and 11 not out from Dan Hampton securing the record breaking win.

The full scorecard from the match can be found here.