New South Wales had an edge over Queensland at the end of the third day, requiring just 50 more runs for victory with six wickets in hand. They declared on 8 for 319 after being 6 for 291 overnight, and managed to bowl out Queensland cheaply in the second innings to give themselves a shot at their second win of the tournament. Moises Henriques picked up three wickets, supported by legspinner Adam Zampa who collected three as well. Only two Queensland batsmen, opener Wade Townsend and Ben Cutting in the lower order, went past 30, as steady strikes from the NSW bowlers ensured Queensland were bowled out in 73 overs. They managed just 173, a lead of 97.
However, NSW didn't have it easy in the chase. They lost opener David Dawson in the sixth over before losing three more wickets within a space of five runs to fast-bowling allrounder Cutting. He reduced NSW to 4 for 28 at one stage, but Steven Smith and Brad Haddin - their team's half-centurions in the first innings - saw them through to the close at 4 for 48, renewing hopes of a repeat of their rescue on the second day.