Queensland's hopes of advancing to next week's Sheffield Shield final are hanging by a thread with Western Australia turning the screws on the hosts at the Gabba.
The Warriors crawled to stumps on Wednesday's second day at 8-337, holding a first-innings lead of 190, in response to Queensland's lowly 147.
The Bulls need a miracle comeback victory in this clash to guarantee a spot in the decider starting on Easter Saturday.
WA were cruising at 2-138 at lunch before the Bulls hit back, breaking a patient 109-run partnership between Test batsmen Shaun Marsh (74) and Adam Voges (52) to revive the home side's slender hopes.
Tall quick Peter George (2-63) took a sharp catch off his own bowling to dismiss Voges, while Marsh edged a Mark Steketee (1-74) delivery onto his stumps.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Michael Klinger (8) was caught at first slip off impressive legspinner Mitch Swepson (2-65) and veteran James Hopes (1-54) trapped wicketkeeper Sam Whiteman lbw for seven to leave the Warriors shaky at 6-188.
At one stage, Swepson bowled 37 dot balls to heap the pressure on WA.
But Hilton Cartwright, who scored 139 in his previous match against South Australia in Perth, helped take the match away from the Bulls.
Queensland have won nine straight matches at the Gabba going back to 2013.
Cartwright's well-crafted half-century, combined with a wagging tail, meant the Warriors put themselves in a commanding position and virtually ensured the final turned into a three-way race between competition leaders Victoria, NSW and South Australia.
About the only exciting moment on a tedious day was when rookie Josh Nicholas smashed a six to long-on late in the final session.
Nicholas (53no) and Cartwright (68no) piled the misery on the Bulls with a valuable unbeaten 81-run partnership.
Warriors coach Justin Langer has unearthed a gem in 19-year-old debutant Jhye Richardson, ripping through Queensland's top-order on day one before compiling a handy 22 runs off 34 balls on Wednesday.
