Shaun Tait reminded the Australian selectors of his limitless potential with fiery comeback figures of 4-14 to help South Australia defeat Queensland by 19 runs in the Twenty20 match at Adelaide Oval.

Defending a mediocre 6-147 and lacking captain Darren Lehmann due to an apparent hamstring tear suffered while batting, Tait grabbed three early wickets then returned to splay the stumps of last man Nathan Rimmington, much to the delight of a crowd of 13,407.

Queensland's dismissal for 128 meant it was denied a spot on the competition final against Victoria, after Tasmania defeated NSW in Sydney to move a point ahead of the Bulls, SA and Western Australia.

Tait had been absent since early December with a hamstring strain, and his searing first over inswinger to have Nathan Reardon lbw re-affirmed his importance to SA.

The score moved on to 28 with few further alarms, before James Hopes skied a catch to Graham Manou from the disciplined Ryan Harris (2-20).

Next over Tait had Craig Philipson taken at midwicket first ball and yorked new man Clinton Perren with his second.

Though the hat-trick ball was averted by Steve Paulsen, regular wickets kept SA well in command despite some defiant shots from Andy Bichel (23) and Chris Simpson (29).

A SA win seemed unlikely when Lehmann pulled up sharply and grabbed his right hamstring after racing back for a second run in the 18th over when on 26.

He was unable even to bat with a runner and should be out of action for at least a month.

The Redbacks had been given a decent platform by opener Daniel Harris (59 in 33 balls), but the rest fell away.

Bulls seamer Rimmington, who claimed a hat-trick earlier in the competition, continued his negating form by taking 2-13 in four overs, while Ashley Noffke (1-14) and off spinner Chris Simpson (2-21) were also tidy.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP