'Pak series vital in build up to World Cup'

"Each match we play is a stepping stone and allows us to judge our strengths and weaknesses," said Chappell.

India coach Greg Chappell is satisfied with his team's displays on the tour of Pakistan and said games against top flight opposition were vital in the build up to 2007 World Cup.

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"We have been competitive in the Tests and the one-dayer to a side (Pakistan) that is among the top two-three teams (in the world)," Chappell told a news conference.

"Obviously we are keen to go out there and win the second match."

Pakistan won the first one-day international against India by seven runs under the Duckworth Lewis scoring system on Monday.

"We are lucky to have series against some strong teams in the next 10 months. We are playing Pakistan, England, West Indies and South Africa in this period," said Chappell.

"Each match we play is a stepping stone and allows us to judge our strengths and weaknesses, rotate players and take some positives out for the World Cup.

"By the end of this year we should be in a fairly good position to know where we stand in the rankings for the World Cup."

Chappell said he didn't think off spinner Harbhajan Singh, who is nursing an injured finger, would be fit for the second match.

"Harbhajan is not fit enough to play in the second game. But the team is in a positive frame of mind," he said.