Former Australia limited overs player Callum Ferguson believes South Australia’s bowlers will deliver a crucial Sheffield Shield win over Queensland on Saturday.

The Redbacks need eight wickets for victory after Queensland reached 2-170 at stumps on day three at the Gabba, chasing an improbable 471.

After helping the Redbacks set the target with an unbeaten 70 as the visitors reached 6(dec)-202 in their second innings early on day three, Ferguson believes the visitors are still on top despite the Bulls’ fightback.

Queensland, rolled for just 135 in their first innings, made a solid start to their chase with openers Joe Burns and Luke Pomersbach posting a century stand.

The pair added 118 before Pomersbach (47) chipped a Chadd Sayers (1-39) delivery straight to Redbacks’ skipper Johan Botha.

One became two when Burns’ impressive knock of 72 came to end as he attempted to hit former South Africa international Botha (1-36) out of the ground, only to find Gary Putland at long-on.

Former Test batsman Usman Khawaja (26no) and youngster Nick Stevens (24no) safely reached stumps in a 44-run third wicket stand but Ferguson expects the Bulls’ resistance to be in vain.

“We’re really pleased with where we’re at,” Ferguson said.

“Burnsie and Pomers batted really well, we thought, at the start of their innings against the new ball but we still feel there’s enough on offer for the fast bowlers and for Johan Botha to be able to take these eight wickets tomorrow.”

The Redbacks are chasing an outright win to boost their hopes of a first Shield title since 1995-96 but Burns says the Bulls are far from finished.

He believes with Khawaja at the crease and experienced players Peter Forrest, James Hopes and Chris Hartley as well as big-hitting Ben Cutting to come, there’s no reason the hosts can’t chase down the massive target.

“I reckon it’s about even at the moment,” Burns said.

“Both teams are probably in with an equal opportunity at this stage. The wicket’s good and we’ve got a lot of batters who are in form.

“There’s no reason we can’t knock off 300 on day four.”