A big-hitting knock from tailender Jason Floros has given Queensland some hope in the one-day cricket final against Victoria at the MCG.
Floros was the last wicket to fall and top scored with 47 from 32 balls as the Bulls made 9-146 from 32 overs in the rain-shortened game at the MCG.
Under the Duckworth-Lewis system, Victoria’s target is 147 from 32 overs.
Queensland were struggling at 4-69 off 20.1 overs when rain stopped play for two hours and 42 minutes.
Batting at No.8, Floros belted two sixes and three fours.
Floros started the last over of the innings from John Hastings with a six, a four and a six before he tried to hook a bouncer and was caught behind.
Cameron Gannon (two) and Alister McDermott (one) were the not-out batsmen.
Victoria are in the box seat but the conditions clearly suit the bowlers and the Bulls are not without hope.
Opening bowlers Clint McKay and Darren Pattinson, Hastings and Will Sheridan all took two wickets apiece.
Much will hinge on how well McDermott and former Test paceman Ryan Harris bowl.
Opener Greg Moller and Peter Forrest made 26 apiece, but they were the only other batsmen to reach double figures.
This is Victoria’s sixth one-day final in the last seven seasons, but they have only claimed one title in that period.
Victoria last won the title two seasons ago, while the Bulls were the 2008-09 champions.
While the Bushrangers earnt home-ground advantage by finishing the preliminary games in top spot, Queensland convincingly beat them by six wickets earlier this month at the MCG.
Chris Rogers (Victoria) and Michael Neser are the 12th men.