Salman Kahn proved his 87 on Wednesday in a last-wicket partnership of 134 with Alan Gofton was no fluke by again excelling with the bat as Oxford Universities beat Northants by three wickets in The Parks yesterday.

Set a target of 243 off a possible 68 overs, the Dark Blues reached their target for the loss of seven wickets with 19 balls to spare. It was their first win over Northants since 1974. A fourth-wicket stand of 79 between Joe Porter and Byron Byrne laid the foundation, and although three wickets fell in the 140s and Scott Weenink was seventh out at 182 with 15 overs remaining, Oxford continued to press for victory.

Sixty-one runs were needed when Kahn joined James Redmayne and, with a mixture of solid defence and aggression, the pair knocked off the runs.

Northants, resuming on their overnight score of 114-4, had to make do without Toby Bailey, who was forced to retire hurt with a neck injury sustained after play on Wednesday. First innings century-maker Alec Swann took Bailey's place at the crease and was caught and bowled by off-spinner Tom Hicks in the first over.

The Oxford captain captured two more wickets to finish with a career best 5-54, before Northants declared on 188-8 shortly before lunch.