Playing in Changzhou, Sindhu looked on course for one of her biggest wins of the season after taking the opening game and moving within touching distance of victory in the second. However, former Olympic champion Chen staged a remarkable comeback to win 16-21, 22-20, 21-18 in a contest that lasted one hour and 29 minutes.

The defeat came just days after Sindhu's impressive title-winning run at the Japan Open Super 750 tournament, where she had shown signs of returning to her best form after a challenging period on the international circuit.

Sindhu began aggressively and controlled much of the opening game with her attacking play and court coverage. The Indian shuttler maintained pressure on the fourth-ranked Chinese player and secured the first game 21-16, putting herself in a strong position.

The second game proved decisive.

Sindhu held multiple match points and appeared set to seal a straight-game victory. However, Chen displayed remarkable composure under pressure, saving four match points before turning the momentum in her favour. The Chinese star eventually edged the game 22-20, forcing a decider and energising the home crowd.

The momentum shift carried into the final game.

Although Sindhu remained competitive and stayed within striking distance throughout the third set, Chen delivered crucial points during the closing stages. The Chinese player held her nerve to complete the comeback and secure a quarterfinal berth with a 21-18 win.

Despite the loss, Sindhu's performances across the last two tournaments are likely to provide encouragement ahead of the remainder of the season. Her recent results have indicated improved consistency and physical sharpness, something Indian badminton followers will hope continues in the build-up to future major events.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh cricket has suffered a significant injury setback ahead of its upcoming series against Australia.

Fast bowler Ebadot Hossain has been ruled out after sustaining an injury, forcing Bangladesh to make changes to its pace-bowling plans for the high-profile assignment. The right-arm pacer has been one of Bangladesh's most effective red-ball bowlers in recent years and his absence is expected to weaken the team's fast-bowling resources.

Bangladesh team officials have not yet indicated a definitive timeline for his return, though medical staff will continue monitoring his recovery. The injury comes at an unfortunate time for both the player and the national team, with Bangladesh preparing for a challenging series against a strong Australian side.

Ebadot's absence places additional responsibility on the remaining pace attack as Bangladesh looks to compete against one of the world's leading cricket nations.

In another significant development from international cricket, Afghanistan has named Rahmat Shah as its new captain.

The experienced batter has been entrusted with the leadership role as Afghanistan continues its preparations for upcoming international assignments. Rahmat is among Afghanistan's most accomplished players and has been a consistent performer across formats for more than a decade.

Cricket observers view the appointment as a move aimed at providing stability and experience within the squad. Rahmat has previously played key roles in Afghanistan's rise in international cricket and is regarded as one of the senior figures in the dressing room.

The leadership change comes during a period when Afghanistan is seeking to strengthen its position in global cricket following a series of competitive performances in major ICC tournaments.

Thursday's developments highlighted a busy day across international sport, with Sindhu's narrow defeat ending India's hopes in the women's singles draw at the China Open, while Bangladesh and Afghanistan both announced significant cricket-related updates that could shape their upcoming campaigns.

Afghanistan struggle at 128/6, still trail India by 436 runs in New Chandigarh

Morning proceedings on Day 3 of the one-off Test at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium followed a familiar pattern, as Prasidh Krishna removed Azmatullah Omarzai for a 10-ball duck to extend Afghanistan's misery.

The visitors resumed their first innings at 113/5, still needing 252 runs just to avoid the follow-on. That target now looks distant.

Early Breakthrough Sets Tone

Krishna needed only four deliveries into the third day's play to make an impact. Omarzai, who had looked tentative overnight, failed to open his account before edging one to the slips. The seamer's maiden over to start the morning put Afghanistan immediately on the back foot.

According to initial reports from the venue, the dressing room气氛 grew tense as the follow-on danger inched closer.

Debutant Suthar's Memorable Outing

Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, making his Test debut for India, delivered figures that his family back in Sri Ganganagar would have regretted missing. His parents reportedly travelled back home before witnessing his three-wicket haul on Day 2 due to superstition.

Suthar removed Abdul Malik on the fourth ball of his very first over, then sent back Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Afsar Zazai to finish with 3 for 21. The young spinner has looked increasingly comfortable on a surface offering gradual turn.

Rahmat Shah Breaks New Ground

Amid the collapse, Rahmat Shah quietly authored a piece of history. The experienced batter reached his half-century in 100 deliveries, becoming the first Afghanistan batsman to score a Test fifty against India.

Sources within the Afghan camp indicated that Shah's knock has brought some stability after top-order failures. He remains unbeaten on 53 off 112 balls at the lunch interval, having watched partners fall around him.

India's Batting Domination Sets Up Contest

The context of Afghanistan's struggles traces back to India's massive first innings declaration at 564/8. Captain Shubman Gill led with 126, while KL Rahul converted his start into a hundred. Rishabh Pant and Sai Sudharsan contributed identical 81-run knocks.

This represents India's highest Test total against Afghanistan. Teenage pacer Mohammad Saleem Safi claimed 6 wickets on debut, a silver lining for the visitors.

For Afghanistan to avoid an innings defeat, Shah must find support from the lower order. The pitch remains true, but the pressure of history is telling.

What Follows Next

The next session could decide the match. Afghanistan trail by 436 runs with four wickets standing. Another wicket before lunch would likely trigger thoughts of the follow-on.

Local authorities confirmed arrangements remain in place for a full five days, though few expect this contest to stretch that far.