Shikhar Dhawan. Pic/PTI

A below-par performance in the powerplays cost India the tri-series opener against Sri Lanka, reckoned opener Shikhar Dhawan, who credited Kusal Perera for taking the game away from his team with a blazing knock. India lost the lung-opener by five wickets with Perera putting the inexperienced visiting attack to sword during his 37-ball 66. India had managed to reach a mere 40 for 2 in the first six overs after being reduced to 9 for 2 in two overs. On the other hand, Sri Lanka posted 75 for two in the powerplay, courtesy Perera, who smashed 27 runs off Shardul Thakur in the second over with the help of five fours and a six.