diff --git a/backend/app/models/db_models.py b/backend/app/models/db_models.py
index 6e3c6c5..3977dd5 100644
--- a/backend/app/models/db_models.py
+++ b/backend/app/models/db_models.py
@@ -190,7 +190,9 @@ class Play(Base):
     @property
     def ai_is_batting(self) -> bool:
         """Determine if current batting team is AI-controlled"""
-        if self.half == 'top':
+        # Type cast for Pylance - at runtime self.half is a string, not a Column
+        half_value: str = self.half  # type: ignore[assignment]
+        if half_value == 'top':
             return self.game.away_team_is_ai
         else:
             return self.game.home_team_is_ai
@@ -198,7 +200,9 @@ class Play(Base):
     @property
     def ai_is_fielding(self) -> bool:
         """Determine if current fielding team is AI-controlled"""
-        if self.half == 'top':
+        # Type cast for Pylance - at runtime self.half is a string, not a Column
+        half_value: str = self.half  # type: ignore[assignment]
+        if half_value == 'top':
             return self.game.home_team_is_ai
         else:
             return self.game.away_team_is_ai