It was seven years in waiting for Rahmanullah Zadran, Afghanistan's right-handed batter, to fulfill his dream. He made a mark in international cricket with a century on Test debut against Zimbabwe in the opening game of the ongoing two-match Test series in UAE earlier this week. While the 113 he scored will remain close to his heart, it is also special because it came alongside childhood friend Sediqullah Atal, who also scored a century in the same innings.

Rahmanullah and Atal forged an alliance after opener Abdul Malik departed on 14, adding 206 runs for the second wicket to ensure Afghanistan remained strong in their response to Zimbabwe's 504.

Rahmanullah dominated the proceeding with authority while Atal offered the required support, much like the way they did during their Under-19 days. While Rahamanullah’s teammates moved to national set-ups during different times, he kept on honing his skill and waited for his opportunity.

When the duo was in the middle, they fulfilled their long-term dream of playing for Afghanistan together. “I got the opportunity to bat alongside Sediqullah Atal again after seven years,” Rahamanullah told Cricbuzz recently.

“He was my teammate and friend during our Under-19 days. When we were at the crease, everything felt very normal. We were sharing our thoughts and advice with each other and playing our natural game and the partnership I had with Sediq was one of the best partnerships of my life,” he said.

“Although we had been in the same team during the Asia Cup and in the Shpageeza Cricket League, we had not had the opportunity to bat together. This time, we got that opportunity, and we were both very happy. As he has been my longtime friend and cricket teammate, I really enjoyed playing alongside him and building a wonderful partnership for the team.

“We both scored centuries in the same innings. Scoring a century on Test debut is a dream for every cricketer, and achieving that milestone makes the occasion even more special. It was a dream come true, and I feel extremely happy and proud. This century and memorable Test debut were not just the result of one innings or a single day's performance. They reflect years of hard work and dedication. Achieving this milestone makes all those efforts even more special and rewarding."

Rahamanullah said that he did not lose hope seeing his Under-19 team mates shining in national colours all these years. He was content waiting for his opportunity.

“Yes, some of my Under-19 teammates joined the national team ahead of me. But I believe it is Allah's decision as to who gets to play for the national team first and who receives opportunities later in their career,” Rahamanullah added.

“I remained patient, and my performances and hard work in domestic cricket eventually paid off. Finally, I also got the opportunity to play for the national team. I think I joined the national team at a good time because I have gained a lot of experience playing domestic cricket. If I had joined earlier, I might not have had this experience. Now that I have played a lot of domestic cricket, I believe this experience will help me at the international level.

“When I came out to bat, Afghanistan had already lost one wicket. I focused on playing my natural game, staying positive, and building a solid innings. Thankfully, I was able to contribute to a good start for the team. I had full confidence in my skills and abilities, knowing how much hard work and effort I had put in over the years. I had performed well in domestic cricket, so I believed I could do the same at the international level.

“I was focusing on one ball at a time, playing my natural game and making the most of the opportunity."

Rahamanullah said that he was disappointed after being run out on 113 as he felt he missed the chance of scoring a double century on debut.

“Getting run out in Test cricket is disappointing, especially when you're well set at the crease. I was determined to play a long innings, and my aim was to score a double century and create a memorable record on my Test debut. I truly believed I could achieve that milestone because I had confidence in myself and my abilities,” said Rahamanullah.

“Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned, and I got out before reaching my target. Naturally, any cricketer would feel disappointed to lose their wicket in such a situation, especially when they are well set and aiming for a big score."

Rahamanullah is confident of seizing his opportunity if it comes up again in the second Test against Zimbabwe from November 13. Whether he can do it remains to be seen, but one thing looks certain - he is ready to fight till the end, like he has done in the past, waiting for his time to come.