Queensland have been set the near-impossible task of making 446 in 87 overs to win the Sheffield Shield final against Tasmania at Bellerive.

The weary Bulls need to score at 5.1 runs an over on a worn pitch after dismissing the home side for a second-innings 251 on the morning of day five.

Resuming at 7-240, the Tigers lost their last three wickets for just 11 within half an hour of play getting underway on Tuesday morning.

Allrounder James Faulkner (89), who with Tim Paine (87) rescued his side from 5-15 on day four, fell short of his maiden first class century when he gloved one to Queensland keeper Chris Hartley off the bowling of Michael Neser (2-43) at 8-249.

Luke Butterworth (17) was out in the same over when he hoicked one to deep square leg and was caught by Greg Moller.

Ben Hilfenhaus was last man out when he was caught by Hartley for a first-ball duck off the bowling of Cameron Gannon (2-35).

Returning former Test paceman Ryan Harris, who bowled 54 overs in the match, finished with 4-32, while skipper James Hopes (2-76), Neser and Gannon chipped in with two each.

It seems only a Bulls miracle can stop former Test captain Ricky Ponting holding aloft a first piece of silverware won with his state.

Queensland need to score the highest fourth-innings total to win a Shield final and one of the highest fourth-innings scores of all time in the competition.