Durban’s Super Giants’ season is on the line when they face the Paarl Royals at Boland Park on Tuesday.

DSG have played eight matches – two more than the Royals – and have collected 14 points, leaving Lance Klusener’s side in fifth place and one point adrift of their hosts.

Victory would lift DSG firmly into playoff contention, but defeat would leave them facing a do-or-die final league fixture in the return match at Kingsmead on Saturday.

In-form opener Marques Ackerman believes his side’s nail-biting two-wicket win over the Sunrisers in their previous outing has provided a timely confidence boost.

“That was a must-win game for us and we were really stoked that we got over the line,” Ackerman said.

“Yes, it was a bit closer than we would have liked, but we’ve got a heck of a team with loads of experience in the T20 format. You look at some of the guys and they’re the best in the world.

“So it’s just a matter of time. A lot of teams know that once we catch a bit of momentum, we’ll be a tough team to beat. Hopefully this is the momentum we need.”

AFRICA PICKS: Cricket betting tips and predictions

Conditions at Boland Park are once again expected to favour spin, particularly with daytime temperatures forecast to rise above 35°C, which could further dry out the surface.

Ackerman believes West Indies mystery spinner Sunil Narine could play a decisive role.

“Watching him bowl on TV doesn’t do him justice,” he said. “I faced him in the middle during training and I think he got me out seven times in 10 balls. He’s really difficult to face and really hard to pick.

“What he brings to our team is massive. The experience, firstly, and the calmness he brings into the changing room.

“But also his ability to bowl in the powerplay as a spinner. I think he bowled two or three overs in the powerplay. It takes a really good bowler to be able to do that and he’s been a massive addition for us.”

By contrast, David Miller’s Royals will be looking to smooth their path to the playoffs. A bonus-point win would draw them level with log-leaders the Pretoria Capitals, with a game in hand.

The Boland Park faithful will be eager to see their side respond after a home defeat to the Capitals, with much of the focus on the Royals’ own mystery spinner Sikandar Raza.

The Zimbabwean is currently joint top of the SA20 wicket-takers’ list, alongside Royals teammate Ottneil Baartman and Sunrisers Eastern Cape seamer Anrich Nortje.

Raza insists the Royals have already moved on from their previous loss.

“There was nothing to discuss and I think rightly so. There’s no need on match day to bring up memories of the last game,” he said.

“It’s always about looking forward and trying to do things better, and I thought we did a lot of things better.”

Tuesday’s match starts at 5:30pm.

Photo: Shaun Roy/Sportzpics