CWG 2026: Rupa Rani-Pinki edge past Tonga in tie-breaker
Glasgow, July 25
India's Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh secured a thrilling victory over Tonga's Paris Baker and Milika Nathan in the women's pairs event at the Commonwealth Games 2026, winning the match in a tie-breaker after both teams won a set each.
India started the match on the back foot, losing the opening end 1-0 as Tonga took an early lead. However, Rupa Rani and Pinki bounced back strongly, winning the next four ends to take the first set 5-2.
The Indian pair looked in complete control after the opening end, and their consistent play helped them take a one-set lead.
Tonga, however, made a stunning comeback in the second set. They won the opening three ends to establish a commanding 6-0 lead. India then showed resilience, winning the fourth end by two points and taking the fifth end as well to reduce the deficit, but Tonga held on to win the second set.
With the score level at one set apiece, the match went into a tie-breaker to decide the winner.
India held the advantage of playing the final bowl in the decider, and Rupa Rani produced a superb opening bowl that hugged the jack. Pinki then delivered another precise bowl to seal the victory for India.
The win keeps Rupa Rani and Pinki at the top of their section in the women's pairs event. They will next face Namibia and England as they continue their campaign with their sights set on a place in the semifinals.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is fantastic—bowls is such a game of strategy and nerves. India's ability to bounce back after losing the first end and then again in the tie-breaker shows real mental strength. Hope they make it to the semis!
Great win, but we need to be more consistent—losing the second set 6-0 after winning the first set 5-2 is not ideal. Tonga almost pulled off a big upset. Still, well done, Rupa Rani and Pinki! Let's bring home gold. 🏅
Impressive performance by India! Bowls is a sport that often flies under the radar, but this win against Tonga shows the depth of talent in the Indian team. Best of luck against Namibia and England—they'll need to keep their focus.
What a nail-biter! The tie-breaker was intense—Rupa Rani's opening bowl hugging the jack and Pinki's precise finish sealed it perfectly. These are the moments that make Commonwealth Games so exciting. Jai Hind! 🙌
India's resilience in the tie-breaker was remarkable. Losing the second set 6-0 and still coming back to win shows incredible character. The team's morale must be high now—looking forward to seeing them against Namibia and England.
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