South Africa Had No Answer as India's Lawn Bowls Stars Deliver Masterclass, Top CWG Group

India's lawn bowls campaign gathered further momentum at the Commonwealth Games on Friday as the women's pairs team of Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh secured a convincing straight-sets victory over South Africa, while Putul Sonowal held his nerve to clinch another dramatic win in the men's singles competition.

The experienced Indian duo defeated South Africa's Thabelo Muvhango and Jacqui Janse van Rensburg 2-0 (6-4, 7-5) in their second Section B match at the Scottish Event Campus. The victory marked India's second consecutive win in the tournament and lifted the pair to the top of the group standings.

The match was competitive throughout, with the South African pair putting up a determined fight in both sets. However, Tirkey and Pinki produced crucial bowls at key moments to maintain control and seal the contest without requiring a tie-break.

The result followed India's dramatic opening victory over Malta a day earlier. After comfortably taking the opening set, the Indians were forced into a tense tie-break before Pinki delivered a superb final bowl to snatch victory.

Both Tirkey and Pinki were members of India's historic gold medal-winning women's fours team at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Although the fours event has been dropped from the Glasgow edition, the experienced duo have quickly established themselves among the strongest contenders in the pairs competition.

Meanwhile, Putul Sonowal continued his impressive run in the men's singles. A day after upsetting reigning world champion Ryan Bester of Canada, the Assam Police officer was pushed to the limit by Cecil Alexander of the Falkland Islands.

Sonowal recovered from an early deficit to win the opening set 7-5, but Alexander responded strongly to claim the second set 8-6, forcing a tie-break. Remaining composed under pressure, the Indian edged the decider to record another hard-fought victory and strengthen his position in Section D.

India's impressive performances across both the women's pairs and men's singles have provided another boost to the country's medal hopes as the lawn bowls competition gathers pace in Glasgow.