Bashley have earned a place in cricket history after smashing what could be the highest total at their level or above in the t20 format.

The village outfit racked up runs at such a rapid rate that scorers apparently lost count in their Southern League t20 Cup second round clash against Hursley Park at the BCG last weekend.

Bashley’s batsmen had statisticians reaching for the record books as they surpassed the best efforts in international and first-class county cricket by registering an almighty 287 for four in their 20 overs.

Neil Thurgood was in unstoppable form as he made 109, with Richard Morris whacking 77 as the pair shared a 150-run second-wicket partnership to set up a 148-run win.

The Daily Echo understands that the sensational score could be the best recorded at ECB Premier League club level.

There is a suggestion Haywards Heath might have previously registered a total in excess of 300 but the Echo was unable to contact a club official for confirmation, while Brentwood’s 282 for three against Benfleet on May 30, 2011 came close.

Bashley’s effort bettered the highest international t20 total of 260 for six achieved by Sri Lanka in September 2007 against Kenya. In first-class county t20, Gloucestershire scored 254 for three against Middlesex last month.

Delighted Bash skipper Andy Neal said: “For such a small village to obtain such a high score is incredible.

“It was an absolutely fantastic effort from the boys who batted really well. It was one of those days where every shot was hit big.”

Neal added: “Bizarrely, during the last over the scoreboard read ‘Bashley 320 runs’, but when the game came to an end the decision was overruled by the umpires and it was concluded we only made 287 runs.

“I believe the scorers lost count of how many runs we made.

“Hopefully, we can push on from that result and go on to win the competition. It has given us more confidence and we would love to the win the league as well.”

Bashley’s impressive score caught the attention of Wisden. Editor Hugh Chevallier said: “Scoring around 14 runs an over is a remarkable achievement for Bashley.

“The game sounds like it was an amazing spectacle and I wish I had followed it. However, it’s inevitable that due to the culture and mentality of t20, scores will continue to get higher in all areas of cricket.”

A famous victory for the team followed last year’s triumph in the final over Hook & Newnham Basics at the Rose Bowl.

Bashley hope to retain the title this year but have to see off last year’s opponents Hook & Newnham in the quarter-finals on Sunday (3pm).