Victoria was unrelenting in its torture of Queensland's bowlers, setting the Bulls a victory target of 576 on day four of the Pura Cup cricket final at the MCG.

And the Bulls' spirits sagged even further when Victorian quick Michael Lewis had key bats Jimmy Maher (nought) and Martin Love (14) out in the last hour.

At stumps Queensland was 2-56 in its second innings with Clinton Perren 32 not out and Stuart Law eight not out and victory out of the question - just as it was back on day one.

The Bulls need another 520 to win on the final day.

Having made 710 in its first innings, Victoria opted not to enforce the follow-on after bowling Queensland out for 275.

Instead, Victorian captain Darren Berry chose to inflict more misery on Queensland by sending in openers Matthew Elliott (55 not out) and Jason Arnberger (72), who smashed the Bulls' bowlers around for two hours.

Berry declared at 1-140 and set the Bulls a victory target the size of Everest with three-and-a-half sessions to play.

With Victoria already assured of claiming its first first-class title since 1990-91, Berry's decision to bat on raised eyebrows at the time as the lead was already 435.

But his declaration was perfectly-timed, as Victoria struck immediately.

Lewis enticed Maher to edge the first ball of the innings and first slip Cameron White grabbed a miracle catch diving to his right after Berry dropped the chance diving to his left.

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