Tasmania have made a confident start to setting a target for Queensland in their crunch Sheffield Shield clash at the Gabba on Saturday.

The Tigers took little time wiping away the Bulls’ 36-run first innings lead, cruising to a rain-delayed lunch break on day three at 0-55 with Mark Cosgrove not out 31 and Jordan Silk unbeaten on 20.

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.