If NSW needs a "miracle" to retain the Pura Cup then the Blues require an even bigger act of God to take a fourth straight ING Cup trophy.

The defending one-day champions have only a mere mathematical chance of playing in the limited-overs final after Queensland pulled a remarkable 25-run win out of the hat at the Gabba on Friday night.

Defending a sub-par total of 229, the Bulls attack fought back from being pasted early to bowl the visitors out for 204 in the 48th over.

The loss leaves NSW with 14 points, nine behind second placed Victoria, who are one ahead of Queensland (22), with two matches to play.

It means the Blues, who Steve Waugh believes need a miracle to earn a Pura Cup final berth, need to score two thumping wins and rely on other results going their way.

It was a stunning home side fightback after NSW got away to a flying start thanks to the clean-hitting exploits of opener Phil Jaques (61 off 67 balls).

But from 1-89 in the 17th over, the Blues lost a steady stream of wickets as the Bulls bowlers, led by Michael Kasprowicz (3-38) and James Hopes (3-34), tightened the screws.

The pivotal moment came when Ashley Noffke produced a brilliant run out off his own bowling to dismiss Mark Waugh (20 off 28) at 5-158 in the 38th over.

The younger twin, who was unhappy to be given out after Noffke produced a left-handed stop and quick return throw, had steadied the Blues ship after brother Steve had been caught behind off Hopes for 16 and looked in control.

Hopes fittingly produced the final act by bowling tail-ender Doug Bollinger on the first ball of the 48th over.

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