World Cup 2019 | "We have to lift ourselves", says Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz urging teammates to unite together ahead of clash with South Africa

Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz, known for his economic spells and his ever high intent to win, has urged his teammates to unite together ahead of their must-win World Cup 2019 clash against South Africa at the Lord's on Sunday. Pakistan have not had the start they wanted as they sit at the ninth position in the World Cup points table with only three points from five games.

Pakistan are at a stage where every game is of utmost importance. To have a shot at a semi-finals berth, they have to win all their upcoming games and convincingly, have to work on their net run rate. 

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Riaz stresses the need for his teammates to realize the importance of the do-or-die game and come together as a team against South Africa will generate a clinical performance.

"We have to lift ourselves. We are each other's strength. We are all good friends and know that only 15 of us can lift the team which not even our family members can do," Wahab told the reporters.

Pakistan had to face a lot of criticism after the defeat against arch-rivals India. The team has had some time off to unwind and come back refreshed after the India game.

The 33-year-old Riaz urged his team-mates to work on their mistakes they have made so far and come back strong.

"Good teams are the ones who realize their mistakes, so we have discussed all those mistakes and a two-day break has refreshed us," Wahab said.

Riaz who took three wickets in against England accepted the bowling unit needs to work harder.

"As a bowling unit we are trying hard, We are all focused to do well in the South Africa match. You need wickets upfront in England but we were not getting that," he added.

Riaz criticized the middle-order slumps for Pakistan's downfall against Australia and India, both in chasing 300-plus targets.

"We were going well in batting in both the games but lost crucial wickets and got derailed," said Wahab of Pakistan's collapses.

Pakistan slumped to 160/6 after being 136/2 against Australia on June 12, while they lost four wickets in the space of 18 balls and 12 runs against India on Sunday. Pakistan is set to play South Africa on Sunday, it will be a must-win game for both the teams.

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