A cricket commentator has apologized after a bizarre, sexist moment during a T20 International for women between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Roshan Abeysinghe was confused when Bangladesh’s left spinner Nahida Akter received a no-ball in what initially looked like a forefoot error.

His shock was based on the bizarre concept that a woman could not deliver a front-foot no-ball due to the size of her stride.

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“It’s also a no ball. It’s unforgivable now,” Abeysinghe said.

“Unforgivable on two counts: first, a weirdo; Second, a lady… a women’s cricketer. I don’t think they’re taking big steps, so in that context I’m very, very surprised how she was able to step over.”

Replays showed that she didn’t overstep and accidentally knocked off the stirrups with her foot.

However, the reaction to his comments was scathing.

After women’s cricket commentator Georgie Heath declared: “This commentator should be discouraged from ever commenting on women’s cricket again,” Abeysinghe responded with an apology.

“Hi Georgie, let me offer my unconditional apologies if you or anyone else was offended. The comments were never meant to be offensive but were made innocently through a pure cricket angle. Still, I’m willing to apologize and be corrected. Again, my sincere apologies,” he wrote.

Bangladesh won the match, chasing the goal from 146 with one ball remaining.