Australian vice-captain Travis Head failed again but South Australia's tail wagged to set Queensland a victory target of 150 late on day three of their Sheffield Shield clash at the Gabba.
Late hitting from ex-Test seamer Chadd Sayers has avoided disaster and lifted the Redbacks to a second innings total of 192 on Sunday.
After a first innings duck, Head did not further his chances of a Test recall in next month's series against Pakistan when he was caught driving for just 12 off 28 balls.
After South Australia resumed following lunch at 2-60, Head fell as the Redbacks lost 3-16 to be reduced to 5-81.
Yet somehow it got worse for the visitors.
Bulls quick Cameron Gannon (3-41) at one stage took two scalps in five balls as South Australia lost 4-21 to be reeling at 9-131.
However a free-wheeling 42 from 32 balls from Sayers - including eight fours - helped the visitors to at least post a competitive target.
Sayers fell shy of only his second first class half century, ending a 61-run final wicket stand with Wes Agar (20 not out).
Debutant Bulls quick Xavier Bartlett impressed with 3-33, at one stage taking two wickets in three balls including Jake Lehmann for a duck.
Earlier, the Redbacks mopped up the tail to dismiss Queensland for 264 in their first innings.
Resuming on day three at 7-242, Queensland lost Bryce Street for 53 after the debutant failed to add to his overnight score while Cameron Gannon went for a duck.
Tailender Mark Steketee (15) was the last man to fall, caught behind off the pick of the Redbacks bowlers Wes Agar (4-30).
Agar had dismissed Queensland's former Test trio Joe Burns (39), Matt Renshaw (18) and Usman Khawaja (2) on Friday.
Redbacks quick Nick Winter also impressed with 4-81.
Street's debut knock helped Queensland sneak ahead of South Australia's first innings of 221, sharing an 83-run fifth wicket stand with Charlie Hemphrey (64) on day two.
Australian Associated Press