Top Tigers smooth as Silk in beating Bulls at the Gabba

Silk was on track for his 12th first-class century, only for teammate Mitch Owen (29 not out off 15 balls) to strike some lusty blows at the death to secure victory for Tasmania just before scheduled stumps.

The win keeps Tasmania on top of the Shield table, while Queensland are last with only one win and two draws from seven matches.

Silk struck 13 fours in his unbeaten knock, but he paid special tribute to Tasmanian paceman Gabe Bell, who claimed man-of-the-match honours after returning figures of 4-40 and 6-39.

"He's going fantastic, career-best figures and a 10-wicket haul,'' Silk said.

"We don't have that sort of (gettable) chase without his effort.

"I'm really rapt with how everyone approached it. It was a good collective effort.

"It's not often we come here (to Brisbane) and get the points."

Queensland captain Jimmy Peirson was among the Bulls to struggle with sickness in the intense Brisbane heat.

"I'm feeling better today, but I was on my death bed yesterday to be honest," Peirson said.

"It's not fun, gastro. Unfortunately we couldn't get the win today, but (if we can get) three wins in our last three games, we'll give ourselves a chance."

Tasmanian opener Caleb Jewell (9) was the first wicket to fall on day three when his wild slash resulted in an edge through to the keeper.

The Tigers were in early trouble at 2-13 when Tim Ward's attempted hook off a rising Mark Steketee delivery gave Peirson his second catch.

Charlie Wakim (36) and Silk helped steady the ship with a 60-run stand.

But when Gurinder Sandhu (2-47) trapped Wakim lbw before finding the edge of Jake Doran's bat 10 overs later, Tasmania were looking wobbly at four down and still needing 125 more runs to win.

Silk and Beau Webster (28 off 41 balls) led the counter-attack as Tasmania got their run chase back on track.

Webster struck three fours and a six, but his bid to keep the runs flowing came undone when he inside-edged Liam Guthrie onto his stumps.

Bradley Hope (17) added some handy runs, before Owen struck three fours and a six to shut the door completely on Queensland.