The Black Cats went ahead in the 16th minute when Alex Pritchard curled home a fine opener, yet Lee Johnson’s side couldn’t build on their advantage.
Shrewsbury were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half-time when David Davis was sent off for a late challenge on Nathan Broadhead.
Yet Sunderland failed to capitalise as Daniel Udoh scored an excellent equaliser after Sunderland failed to clear a throw-in.
The visitors did mount some late pressure but didn’t test Shrewsbury goalkeeper Marko Marosi enough on the night.
The result means the Black Cats missed the chance to close the gap on the automatic promotion places ahead of Saturday’s trip to Cambridge.
Our chief Sunderland writer has delivered his verdict on how each player fared at The Montgomery Waters Meadow Stadium:
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5. Luke O’Nien - 5
Couldn’t capitalise on a couple of decent positions late on . Defensively did fairly well but struggled to make an impact breaking forward, albeit on his weaker side. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
6. Carl Winchester - 6
Took a while to get into the game. Strong at the start of the second half with some great covering challenges but will have wanted to impact the game a bit more in possession. 6 Photo: JPI Media
7. Dan Neil - 6
One or two really bright moments in possession and looked a threat. 6 Photo: JPI Media
8. Aiden O'Brien - 5
Got involved in one or two good counterattacks but struggled with Lynden Gooch to contain the impressive Nathanael Ogbeta down the left flank. Worked hard but replaced with half an hour to play. 5 Photo: JPI Media