SA, set 324 runs to win, finished at 6-244 with Carey (66no) holding sway to ensure a draw at Adelaide Oval.

Redbacks opener Jake Carder top-scored with 79 as the Bulls fell short a comeback win.

Queensland were bowled out for 152 in their first innings, with SA replying with 280.

But Usman Khawaja's superb 174 and Jimmy Peirson's 132 - his second ton in two Shield games this season - allowed the visitors to declare at 7-451 in their second dig.

Queensland set SA a target of 324 runs from a minimum of 86 overs.

But despite more heroics from paceman Mark Steketee, the Bulls were unable to secure a win.

Steketee claimed seven wickets in SA's first innings and raised victory hopes by taking three of the initial four Redbacks wickets to fall on Monday.

The fast bowler finished with 3-48 from 24 overs, returning 10-92 for the game - his maiden 10-wicket haul in a first-class match.

The Bulls' victory push suffered two setbacks within eight deliveries when they dropped key batsmen Travis Head and Carey in an eight-ball span.

Head, on 21, edged an attempted cut shot to wicketkeeper Peirson who turfed the chance from spinner Matt Kuhnemann.

And in the next over, Carey, on nine, drove a Steketee delivery to Bryce Street at cover who dropped the catching opportunity - both reprieves came with the Redbacks 3-148.

The in-form Head added only two more runs before popping a catch to midwicket to give Steketee his third wicket and leave SA wobbling at 4-161.

But Carey remained resolute as both the Redbacks and Bulls played out their second draw from two Shield games this season.

Australian Associated Press