Makka leads Mt Kili attack

Some cricketers have grounds where they take a high number of wickets but two teams of cricketers from around the world are aiming to take wickets on higher ground.

Four South Africans, including former Proteas fast bowler Makhaya Ntini, left on Friday for Mount Kilimanjaro, where they will attempt to play the highest Twenty20 game, at 5 785m, in order to raise money for charity.

The challenge, known as Mt Kili Madness, came about during a conversation at a pub between British social cricketer David Harper and his wife Catharine, who suggested "the only way he was ever likely to play cricket at the highest level would be if he played on the top of a mountain".

The two teams are a mixture of medical practitioners, amateur cricketers, and cricket greats such as former England stars Ashley Giles, Clare Connor and current women's player, Heather Knight.

Aliya Bauer, a coach from Johannesburg, will have multiple roles on the mountain as a result of her abilities as a scorer, umpire and player.

"I can't think of a better way to help raise funds than through playing the sport I love. This opportunity will not only challenge us physically, but will help us make a difference," said Bauer, 36.

The cricket fanatics hope to raise £500 000 (more than R9-million) for cancer research, anti-poaching, and the construction of a cricket stadium in Rwanda.

The funds will also help cricket development in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg.

Alexandra Township Chiefs captain Raymond "Rayzer" Lebokana, 20, and his teammate Robert "Popeye" Moloisane, 19, were selected for the South African team.

Bauer said cricket was an avenue to create awareness about social causes affecting young people and women in the township.

After a seven-day climb, participants will, on September 27, lay their Flicx pitch, put in the stumps and make their makeshift clubhouse near the crater of Africa's highest mountain.

Only 70% of climbing attempts on Kilimanjaro are successful.

While the thin air could benefit fast bowlers such as Ntini, those taking part in the challenge face possible altitude sickness - symptoms include breathing difficulties, nausea and extreme fatigue - due to the lack of oxygen.

The highest T20 match played so far was at 5 100m at the Everest base camp in 2009.