Tasmania are building a competitive victory target in their Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland at the Gabba on Saturday.

At tea on day three, the Tigers are 1-138 in their second innings – leading by 102 runs overall – with Mark Cosgrove not out 63 and Alex Doolan unbeaten on 36.

The pair showed why they feature in Shield cricket’s top five run scorers this season by defying tight Bulls bowling and overcast skies to give the Tigers a promising lead.

They came together after first class debutant Jordan Silk (34) was caught behind off Bulls quick Cameron Gannon (1-26).

Earlier on Saturday, a Joe Burns-inspired Queensland were bowled out for 281.

Burns was the last man out for 120, ending a match-turning innings lasting almost six hours.

The recent Australia A call-up arrived at the crease on Friday facing a hat-trick ball and with Queensland in deep trouble at 3-18 in reply to Tasmania’s 245 first innings after Ben Hilfenhaus took three wickets in four balls.

But he proved a thorn in the Tigers’ side after rescuing Queensland from 4-30, 5-90 and 6-112 with his fifth Shield ton.

Burns added to Tasmania’s pain early on Saturday when he was dropped by Luke Butterworth at first slip on 110 off Hilfenhaus.

Ex-Test seamer Hilfenhaus (4-84) finally got his man when Burns tried to add to his tally of nine fours and two sixes, only to sky a catch to Tigers captain George Bailey at mid-off.

Bulls captain James Hopes (72) provided able support in a 138-run seventh wicket stand with Burns on Friday.

Rain delayed the start of day three action on Saturday for half an hour before Queensland resumed at 9-262.