Another failure by Test hopeful Usman Khawaja has given NSW a slim chance of an outright victory in their Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland at the SCG.

But the hosts may run out of time, after Queensland reached 3-121 at tea on the fourth and final day, with only 38 overs remaining.

Queensland effectively only have six wickets in hand, with paceman Matthew Gale unable to bat after suffering a knee injury on Friday.

Chasing 313 for a victory of their own, set when NSW closed their second innings on 9-221 at lunch, the visitors lost three quick wickets to hit a major hurdle.

Doug Bollinger (1-18) continued his bright form to remove opener Greg Moller for one before Steve O’Keefe had Nathan Reardon (22) caught off a mistimed slog sweep.

Khawaja looked to be a major roadblock for the Blues before he threw away his wicket.

Khawaja’s form in the domestic one-day tournament shot him into contention for an Ashes spot.

But selectors have no desire to change their top six after the monster 381-run win in the opening Test at the Gabba and Khawaja is hardly forcing their hand either.

The 26-year-old, who has played nine Tests, again compiled a good start before slashing at a wider delivery from Sean Abbott (1-27) to be caught behind for 25.

Chris Lynn (39no) and Peter Forrest (28no), the last two specialist batsmen in the Queensland lineup, have added 53 to frustrate the Blues.

Earlier, NSW suffered a mini-collapse of English proportions when they lost four wickets while adding just two runs to go from 1-170 to 5-172 in the space of four overs.

The carnage was inspired by former Test offspinner Nathan Hauritz (4-93) and the desire to add quick runs.

The Blues’ first innings centurion Ryan Carters again top-scored with 67 to go with his earlier 154.