Commonwealth Games: India make it 3 from 3 in women’s Bowls pair with dramatic win in Tonga

India’s experienced bowling duo Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh extended their unbeaten streak at the Commonwealth Games as they edged out Tonga in a tense Section B doubles encounter on Saturday. The Indian duo sealed a 2-0 victory in the match after winning the tie-break to keep their semi-final hopes firmly in their hands. Rupa and Pinki lead India to victory over Malta and South Africa earlier.

The contest began with Tonga’s Paris Baker and Milika Nathan drawing first blood and taking an early 1-0 lead. Baker’s accurate deliveries put India under pressure despite Rupa completing all three of his missions.

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India quickly found their rhythm in the second end. Strong coordination between lead Rupa and skip Pinki helped restore parity, with Rupa producing an excellent second bowl that shifted the momentum in India’s favour. From there, the pair stayed in control, wrapping up the opening set 5-2.

Tonga responded impressively in the second set. Baker and Nathan dominated the early exchanges and raced to a convincing 6-0 lead after the first three ends. Although Rupa and Pinki attempted a late recovery, the deficit proved too much to overcome as Tonga took the set 6-4 to send the match to a tie.

With the result hanging in the balance, the Indian pair produced when it mattered most. Rupa gave India the first lead in the decider before Pinki held her nerve to complete the victory and maintain India’s perfect record in the competition. (Credit: Glasgow Commonwealth Games website)

Rupa and Pinki, who were part of India’s historic women’s four-member team that won the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold in Birmingham, have now won all three matches in the B section.

England also remain unbeaten with three wins from three matches in the group. However, the English pair lead the standings after winning one hundred more than the Indian duo. Rupa and Pinki will be next in action on Sunday, July 26.

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Published on:

25 Jul 2026 18:08 IST