NSW dreaming of miracle after Tassie pile on the runs

NSW have given themselves an outside chance in their match in Tasmania as they try to pull off a massive run chase and reach the Sheffield Shield final.

With the Blues needing 529 to win, Test opener Sam Konstas and Blake Nikitaras reached 0-71 at stumps on day three at Bellerive.

If NSW win it would be the second-highest score this Shield season, behind South Australia's 7d-614 in their current match against Queensland. The Blues will qualify should they reach their target, assuming the Bulls are unable to force a victory in Adelaide. 

The Blues' imposing target makes them the outsiders among the contenders to face top side SA in the March 24-28 Shield final.

Queensland looked shot after two days of the last round but batted well on Monday and picked up a vital bonus point to strengthen their hold on second place.

Western Australia appear likely to have a target of around 350 on the last day at the WACA to beat Victoria, who in turn need South Australia to defeat Queensland to keep their hopes alive. 

While NSW require a mammoth 458 on the last day for victory, in their favour is that the Bellerive pitch yielded 3-373 on Monday in the pink-ball game, so the Tasmanian attack will have to work hard for wickets.

Konstas (34) and Nikitaras (31) have given them the perfect springboard for the day-four run chase.

Opener Jake Weatherald top-scored for the home side with 145 and Caleb Jewell made 100no before Tasmania declared at 4-383.

Jordan Silk backed up from his first-innings ton with 65 and Tim Ward contributed 52, while Tanveer Singha took 2-106 from 30 overs.

The NSW attack lost Jack Edwards to a knee problem in the second innings, but he will bat on Tuesday if needed. 

Part-timers Ollie Davies, Nikitaras and even wicketkeeper Josh Philippe got to have a bowl as NSW wasted plenty of time waiting for the inevitable Tasmanian declaration. 

Silk was happy to continue batting deep into the final session but called the innings to a close once Jewell reached his milestone.