Tasmania 198 & 153 for 5 (Weatherald 62, Silk 49*) lead Queensland 178 (Hearne 48, Neil-Smith 4-49, Kuhnemann 3-14) by 153 runs
Queensland went into day two of their clash at Bellerive Oval on Sunday needing a big total after slumping to 48 for 3 on day one.
But chasing Tasmania’s 198 to claim first-innings points, Queensland were knocked over for just 178, while the second-placed South Australia made 305 runs and claimed five wickets against Victoria.
The competition rewards bonus points to teams that score more than 200 runs, and for every wicket a side takes during the first 100 overs of the first innings, respectively.
South Australia’s efforts and Queensland’s batting capitulation means the Bulls can no longer make up the points difference needed, even if they win outright.
It also denies retired Test opener Khawaja a final game for Queensland after the 39-year-old confirmed he would hang up his boots from first-class cricket at the end of the season. Khawaja isn’t playing this round as he awaits the birth of his third child.
On Sunday, Jack Clayton and Lachlan Hearne provided a glimmer of hope for Queensland with a 49-run partnership, but after Clayton fell they lost 5 for 70.
Australia spinner Matt Kuhnemann took 3 for 14, including a classy caught-and-bowled to dismiss Hayden Kerr for a duck.
Weatherald, who made 95 in the previous round against NSW, missed the chance for a century before the off-season when he top-edged a cut against Hayden Kerr, who had been subbed into the match as an injury replacement for Tom Balkin.