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Pakistan captain Waqar Younis Wednesday said he was enjoying playing in the Patron's Trophy while admitting that the competition level was very high.

"I am enjoying every game because there is tough competition. Our last game against PIA ended in a draw but it was a thriller," Waqar, who is representing National Bank, said from Gujranwala. Waqar was a last- minute inclusion in National Bank along with Inzamam-ul-Haq after the players had to revert to domestic first-class competition owing to cancellation of home series against New Zealand.

The paceman said he had opted to play in the first-class competition to stay in touch and maintain form and rhythm. "The cancellation of the series was a big disappointment but I am glad that I have succeeded in keeping the momentum going I have been carrying since England.

"I find myself in good nick." Waqar, who is playing his third successive match, added that he was impressed with the improvement shown by relatively weaker teams. "I am pleased the way the weaker teams have fared up. It shows the success of our domestic system and the talent we have."

Waqar was non-committal on the draws of the 2003 World Cup in which Pakistan has been placed alongwith Australia, India, Zimbabwe and England besides Holland and Namibia. The other pool comprise South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Kenya and Canada.

Former captain Wasim Akram, however, didn't suppress his surprise that the 1999 World Cup finalists were put in the same pool. "Frankly speaking, I am surprised. Both Pakistan and Australia should have been in separate groups. But now since they have decided to follow world rankings, what can one say," he said from Lahore.

Wasim, while admitting that Pakistan was in a very tough pool, said: "It will also serve as motivator. I think playing tough matches in the initial stages would help players get ready for the Super Six and knockout stage."

The allrounder said he was looking forward to bowing out in grace. "My ambition is to help Pakistan win the World Cup once again. I know how it feels to win and lose it," he said. Wasim was the man-of-the-final in the 1992 World Cup but saw his team toyed by Australia in the title match at Lord's two years ago.

© Dawn