If Pakistan manage to win all their remaining three fixtures and results of matches of other teams go in their favour, the 1992 champions can secure a spot in the last four.
"I recommend Pakistan to hold their ground, play pressure-free cricket, play according to the best of their abilities and display their talent," Akhtar said on Monday in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
The Rawalpindi Express was full of praise of Sohail, saying that his inclusion -- in place of Shoaib Malik -- in the playing XI made the difference.
"I was constantly saying that Haris Sohail should be included in the playing XI because he is a very compact player. Against South Africa, he showed how to score runs. In fact he looked better than Babar Azam. Haris provided the thrust and helped Pakistan get a total in excess of 300," said Akhtar
"Haris Sohail was a great addition and Shoaib Malik was dropped which was a fair call," he added.