AB de Villiers has urged South Africa to click back into top gear against the United Arab Emirates next week after they failed to fire in a 29-run defeat to Pakistan at the Cricket World Cup.

Skipper De Villiers was the only man to make an impact with the bat for the Proteas in Auckland on Saturday, striking 77 from 58 balls as his team subsided to 202 all out in pursuit of a revised target of 232 from 47 overs.

One of the pre-tournament favourites for glory in Australia and New Zealand, South Africa have now suffered losses against India and Pakistan in Pool B.

And De Villiers admitted to concern over the lack of intensity shown by his side during their latest fixture.

"I felt that Pakistan wanted it more than us, so there's nothing wrong with the batting. It's just a matter of urgency and being prepared to fight it out," he said.

"I'd like to think that as a captain who has played for quite a bit that no one should have an issue representing your country. I'm not blaming anyone. I'm not saying anyone didn't have the energy. I [just] didn't feel any electric vibe at the warm-up. That is normally a bit of alarm bell going off for me.

"And secondly, it is my responsibility to try to get the guys going, which I couldn't, so maybe I should take responsibility for that.

"I just could feel that nothing was really happening at 100 per cent. It was almost like a car that's stuck in second or third gear, and that's not going to win you cricket games, especially not under pressure and in big tournaments like this.

"So we need to have a chat about where we went wrong and try to get to fifth gear again against the UAE [on Thursday]."

Questions have often been asked over South Africa's ability to perform under pressure at major tournaments.

De Villiers added: "I wouldn't say there are any scars unless we create the scars ourselves. I truly believe there is nothing wrong with the batting line-up, nothing wrong with the cricket team. It's just a matter of pitching up and playing good cricket, and wanting to play good cricket.

"So I wouldn't say there are any scars. I really believe we can chase down any total at any time. It just didn't happen, and I honestly don't have the answer for you."