AI Joins Cricket: Mithali Raj Uses AI for Pitch Analysis in India-South Africa Match

VISAKHAPATNAM: Artificial Intelligence marked its entry into international cricket during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 match between India and South Africa at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Thursday. A live pitch report was presented utilizing AI.

Prior to the tenth match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, former Indian captain Mithali Raj introduced the pitch assessment with Google’s Gemini AI.

During the pre-match segment, Mithali employed the Gemini Live feature on her device, displaying the pitch through her camera. She inquired of the AI: “We’re at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam for a one-day match. Given the hot and humid conditions, what’s your assessment of this pitch?”

Gemini responded that the pitch looked smooth and favorable for batting, with minimal grass cover. The AI added that the warm, humid environment would likely reduce ball swing, potentially leading to a high-scoring game.

Mithali concurred with the AI’s analysis, affirming that it was indeed a batting-friendly pitch, anticipating a high-scoring affair.

The AI’s evaluation of the surface proved accurate. India scored 251 in 49.5 overs. Wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh’s aggressive half-century aided the recovery after the team slipped to 153/7 in 40 overs.

Ghosh scored a notable 94 from 77 balls, featuring 11 boundaries and 4 sixes. She also formed an essential 88-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Sneh Rana, who added a quick 33 from 24 balls before being dismissed by Marizanne Kapp in the 48th over.

Openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana were also significant contributors, scoring 37 and 23, respectively.

Chloe Tryon was the leading bowler for South Africa, securing 3/32 across 10 overs, followed by Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nadine de Klerk, and Kapp, who each claimed two wickets, while Tumi Sekhukhune took one.