Routed by England in their tournament opener, West Indies put up a slightly improved performance in their second Group I match against South Africa but that was not enough to avert an eight-wicket defeat in Dubai on Tuesday.

The Caribbean side, the only team to win the title twice, could not capitalise on a strong start and settled for a below-par 8-143, which their rivals chased down with 10 balls to spare.

"Well, we just have to do what it takes," a dejected Pollard said.

"We have to dig deeper as a team. We have to dig deeper as a batting unit.

"We have to get wins on the board now. We've put ourselves in a position whereas from a run rate perspective that's pretty low, and from a win percentage we haven't won any games.

"So we have to win the next three games."

West Indies, who face Bangladesh in their next match on Friday, are now bottom of the group, which also includes former champions Sri Lanka as well as Australia.

Top two teams from the group will make the semi-finals.

Opener Evin Lewis' knock of 56 off 35 balls - featuring three fours and six sixes - was the highlight of the West Indies innings.

Pollard refused to single out anyone for what he called a collective batting failure.

"For me, I think, as a team and as a unit we have not batted well," the all-rounder said.

"I'm not going to sit here and single out any individuals. I'm not going to throw any of my teammates under the bus.

"We came here as a West Indies team to do a job, and when we win, we win together. When we lose, we lose together."

Australian Associated Press