Pakistan's highest peak, K2, in the majestic Karakoram range, stands a formidable 8 611 metres … second highest on the planet behind Mount Everest.
The Proteas will have a mountain of a different kind to climb when they set off imminently for a two-Test tour of that country, their first visit since 2007 and starting in Karachi on 26 January.
It is tough enough that not a single member of their novice-laden 21-strong squad has any previous experience of playing at that level in Pakistan … but some wince-triggering batting statistics by South Africa in Asia as a whole do little to make the obstacle seem any easier.
