South Australia batsmen give their team hope

South Australia 377 and 4 for 217 (Borgas 68*, Cosgrove 67, Lehmann 65) lead Queensland 9 for 409 dec (Maher 169, Broad 95, Perren 69*) by 185 runs
Scorecard

Jason Borgas added stability to South Australia's top order © Getty Images Enlarge

The fiery South Australia attack of Shaun Tait and Jason Gillespie loomed as the key in the Redbacks' victory plans after their batsmen ensured a thrilling final day at Brisbane. Jason Borgas, Mark Cosgrove and Darren Lehmann helped South Australia build a lead of 185 at stumps as they searched for their first Pura Cup win of the season.

Andy Bichel had the visitors in big trouble at 2 for 7 before Lehmann hammered 65 from 61 balls in his first match back from a hamstring injury. Borgas and Cosgrove each made half-centuries in a 109-run partnership but Cosgrove missed the chance for a century in each innings when he was out for 67.

Borgas continued to add stability to the Redbacks' fragile top order and batted for more than three hours to remain unbeaten on 68. The Bulls were without one of their bowlers as James Hopes had not returned to the field since straining his thigh late on the first day.

Hopes did not bat as Queensland reached 409 and a 32-run advantage. Clinton Perren made 69 not out before Lehmann came on for an inspired spell. His 3 for 4 ended the home side's chances of building a big lead and the match remained evenly poised after three days.