Aaron Hardie delivered the T20 performance of his life to inspire Peshawar Zalmi to their first PSL title for nine years on Sunday (Monday AEST) as he took four wickets - including the key one of Hyderabad Kingsmen skipper Labuschagne - and then hit a match-winning unbeaten half-century to fashion a five-wicket win.
The quick bowling allrounder's 4-27 for the favourites helped skittle Hyderabad for just 129 in 18 overs, with only Saim Ayub providing much resistance with his battling 54.
Suitably inspired, Hardie then cracked 56 not out off 39 balls, laced with nine boundaries, to guide Peshawar to 5-130 in front of a packed house at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, as the Babar Azam-captained favourites earned victory with 28 balls remaining.
"It's been great. I couldn't have had a better start to my PSL journey, I'm super grateful to be part of Zalmi and to get to know everyone," said a delighted Hardie, who has excelled throughout the tournament for a side who lost only one match in 11 over the entire month.
"We've had great fun and, obviously, a really successful season. I've spent a fair bit of time in the subcontinent but haven't played too much, so to be able to come over here and get a nice run into the finals has been awesome."
Hardie, the 27-year-old English-born West Australian, reckoned he had learned a lot from "legends of the game" in his team.
Babar, whose brilliant tournament, complete with 588 runs at an average of 73.5, was only spoiled by his golden duck in the final, led the way.
But for Labuschagne, it all proved a real anti-climax after his side, in their first year in the league, had written an extraordinary comeback story, reaching the final after losing their first four matches.
"I think tonight hurts, obviously, but reflecting on what an amazing tournament we've put together, coming from four losses to winning four in a row," admitted Labuschagne, who reckoned the experience has helped him develop as a leader.
"We've made so many great memories. I'm just so proud of the team; it's been an awesome effort."
Put in to bat, much rested on the shoulders of Labuschagne and fellow Aussie international Glenn Maxwell, but the skipper was caught behind for 20 off Hardie, before speedster Nahid Rana got 'Maxi' for a golden duck, beating him for pace as he clumped a short one straight to mid-on.
