Exclusive: Simon Harmer Keeps Hope Alive as Durban’s Super Giants Chase Playoff Spot in Rain-Hit SA20

Durban’s Super Giants (DSG) may be running out of time in the SA20 season, but new recruit Simon Harmer insists belief remains alive as the rain-affected campaign edges toward its conclusion.

A tournament plagued by stop-start weather has left DSG on the outside of the playoff places, currently sitting fifth on the log. Yet, with one match remaining and a handful of results still to fall their way, Harmer believes the door has not completely shut.

“I think it's been frustrating because it's felt very stop-start. The weather hasn't really played its part,” Harmer said. 

“We’ve played, then had a rain-out, then played again. When you’re trying to build momentum in a short tournament like this, that’s tough.”

DSG showed early promise with a statement win over defending champions MI Cape Town in the opening fixture, but momentum never truly followed. Rain interruptions, narrow defeats, Super Over losses and last-over heartbreaks have defined their season.

“After that win in Cape Town, tournaments like this are about building momentum and letting guys find their groove,” Harmer explained. 

“You’ve got 16 or 18 players coming together in a very short space of time, and you want them to gel, especially on the field.”

Rain, Regret and Responsibility

While DSG can point to misfortune, Harmer admits accountability is unavoidable.

“We’ve got to take responsibility. We’ve had opportunities to win games when we’ve played, and we haven’t taken them,” he said. 

“But that’s also the nature of this tournament. There aren’t any weak teams, and everyone has match-winners.”

The unpredictability of SA20, combined with frequent weather interruptions, has left little room for error.

“The rain has played its part in momentum and finding our groove, but we’ve also missed opportunities,” Harmer added.

A Final Roll of the Dice

DSG face the Paarl Royals at Kingsmead on Saturday, knowing victory is essential, and even then, their fate remains partially out of their hands. They will require Joburg Super Kings (JSK) to stumble in their remaining fixtures.

“Ultimately, we still have to win on Saturday for us to have any chance,” Harmer said. 

“Realistically, we probably need a bonus-point win, so we’ll need a serious performance.”

“Hopefully the weather behaves, and hopefully mother cricket is kind to us. There’s still hope that we can sneak in through the back door.”

The ‘Temporary Replacement’ Who’s Made an Impact

Harmer joined DSG as a temporary replacement for Sunil Narine, whose availability was delayed due to commitments elsewhere. The move came together quickly following the SA20 auction.

“After the India tour, Lance Klusener messaged me and asked if I was keen to come on board as a replacement,” Harmer revealed. 

“Even if it was just three games, I was very keen. I’ve always enjoyed the SA20.”

With player availability still in flux, Harmer’s stay could yet be extended.

Overseas Influence Driving SA20 Success

Harmer believes the continued presence of elite overseas players has been key to SA20’s growth.

“They bring a lot of clout. The crowd wants to see the best players in the world,” he said. 

“That experience in the change room is invaluable, helping batters, helping bowlers, and bringing calmness under pressure.”

Still Hungry for the Proteas

Beyond SA20, Harmer’s ambitions remain firmly tied to the international arena. Having impressed in recent Test opportunities against Pakistan and India, he is eager for more chances under Proteas coach Shukri Conrad.

“There’s not a lot of Test cricket, and all of it in 2026 is in South Africa,” Harmer said. 

“Shukri is very honest — you always know where you stand.”

For now, Harmer’s focus is immediate.

“It’s one day at a time. I’ve got my season with Essex coming up, and I need to make sure I’m performing and fit so I can put my name in the hat when those tours come around.”

For DSG, however, all eyes remain fixed on Saturday, and on the small, but still flickering, hope of playoff qualification.