Glasgow, July 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh suffered their first defeat in the women’s pairs lawn bowls competition at the Commonwealth Games 2026, going down to Namibia’s Amanda Steenkamp and Diana Viljoen in a closely fought Group B encounter on Sunday.
The Indian pair surrendered a five-point advantage in the opening set before fighting back strongly in the second set to force a tiebreak. However, Namibia held their nerve in the decider to secure a 3-0 win.
Despite the setback, India’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage remain alive after England suffered a tiebreak defeat against South Africa in the other Group B match. India will now face England in their final group fixture, with qualification at stake.
India began the contest in dominant fashion, racing to a 5-0 lead after the opening two ends. Rupa delivered accurate bowls close to the jack, while Pinki’s tactical placement of her final bowl behind the kitty provided defensive cover against Namibia’s attempts to disrupt India’s position.
Namibia gradually fought back after finding their rhythm in the third end. Steenkamp and Viljoen reduced the deficit to 5-2 before cutting India’s lead further to just one point at 5-4.
The comeback was completed in the fifth end when Namibia produced a decisive three-shot play to take the opening set 7-5.
India responded emphatically in the second set, establishing a 4-0 lead in the opening end and extending it to 7-0 in the next. Namibia managed only one point during the set as India maintained control.
Pinki played a crucial role in the second set, producing a well-executed drive into the jack during a difficult situation to help India strengthen their advantage. The Indian pair eventually closed out the set 10-1 to force a tiebreak.
The final decider remained tightly contested, but Namibia secured the crucial points after India’s last attempt fell short. The 3-0 tiebreak victory ended India’s unbeaten start to the competition.
India will now look to secure qualification when they take on England in their decisive Group B match.
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