Queensland stumbled early on Sunday in their run chase against Tasmania in a crunch Sheffield Shield clash at the Gabba.

Chasing 307 for victory, the Bulls are 1-3 at lunch on the final day after Greg Moller (one) was trapped in front by Luke Butterworth.

Queensland were given a minimum of 74 overs to reel in the daunting target after the Tigers declared their second innings at 6-342 with James Faulkner not out 52 and Tim Paine unbeaten on 37.

Tasmania resumed on Sunday at 4-226 and quickly lost Alex Doolan (83) and Jon Wells (52) who shared a 92-run fifth-wicket stand.

After a brief rain delay, Faulkner and Paine tried to make up for lost time with some lusty hitting before the declaration was made, ending their 86-run partnership.

Queensland’s hopes of bowling Tasmania out were not helped by young quick Alister McDermott walking off injured after just two deliveries.

Cameron Gannon (2-74) was the pick of the Bulls quicks, while part-timer Nathan Reardon (2-55) impressed with a burst of two wickets in three balls late on Saturday, including the key scalp of Ricky Ponting for a two-ball duck.

Tasmania are playing for their season at the Gabba, needing outright wins in their final two games to remain in the Shield final mix.

Third-placed Queensland – the defending Shield champions – have already collected first-innings points at the Gabba but can improve their final chances with a six-point victory.