Konstas in Focus as Renshaw's Century Sets NSW a Big Target

New South Wales scored 259 runs in their first innings, with Jack Edwards making a brilliant knock of 108 and Matthew Gilkes contributing 66 runs. However, Brendan Doggett was the highlight for Queensland as he took 4 wickets for 54 runs. In response, Queensland posted a massive total of 387 runs in their first innings. Opener Matt Renshaw showcased his outstanding form by remaining unbeaten on 125 runs, while Nick Clayton retired hurt after scoring a valuable 76 runs. New South Wales bowlers struggled to contain the Queensland batsmen and couldn't capitalize on wicket-taking opportunities. With a lead of 128 runs, Queensland decided to declare their second innings at 289 for 3. Renshaw continued his dominance and ended his innings unbeaten once again, adding 125 runs to his tally. Unfortunately, Clayton was unable to resume his innings due to injury. Currently, New South Wales, chasing a daunting target of 407 runs, are struggling at 11 for 1. They require another 407 runs to secure victory against Queensland. The upcoming sessions will be crucial for both teams as Queensland aims to take wickets and New South Wales fights to stage a remarkable comeback.

Queensland will hunt a vital Sheffield Shield win at the Gabba after Matt Renshaw's unbeaten century kept them in the box seat against NSW.

The opener cruised to 125 before the hosts declared at 289 for 3 and left NSW a target of 418 for an unlikely victory in Brisbane.

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NSW were 11 for 1 at stumps on Monday, Nic Maddinson out without scoring after shouldering arms to a straight Michael Neser delivery. Sam Konstas was unbeaten on 9, while nightwatchman Ross Pawson survived 26 balls for one run in the shadows of stumps.

Earlier Renshaw and Jack Clayton consolidated Queensland's advantage after NSW captain Jack Edwards had done his best to keep NSW in the conversation.

Clayton, fresh off 134 in the first innings, seemed destined for twin hundreds in the match before he pulled up with a hamstring complaint and retired hurt.

Renshaw pushed on, accelerating into triple figures and finding a friend in Jimmy Peirson. Former Test opener Renshaw began the Shield season slowly and was overlooked for a berth against India. But he found form later in the year and now has two red-ball centuries either side of some dominant one-day and BBL innings.

"I had a really good bit of momentum in the last two, three Shield games after that first hundred," Renshaw said. "I wanted to keep that momentum going ... and today kept it nice and simple.I back our bowlers to do the job. It might be at 5pm, might be at 3pm."

NSW made 259 thanks to Edwards, but still conceded a 128-run lead after winning the toss and opting to bowl first.

Sent home ahead of Australia's second Test in Sri Lanka, Konstas will have his chance under pressure in what is his first match at the venue.

Queensland have just one win and three draws from six matches this season, but could jump fourth-placed NSW with a victory and remain in the hunt for a top-two finish with three games remaining.