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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9. Alex Pritchard - 8
Probably his best performance in a Sunderland shirt. A good call to play him off the left, where he regularly found space in between the wing back and the centre back. Scored a superb goal and went close to adding to it in the second half. A bit of a surprise that he was withdrawn with 15 to play. 8 Photo: JPI Media
10. Nathan Broadhead - 5
Plenty of energy but ultimately a poor display. First touch was poor and did not hold onto the ball well enough. Did hit the post with a good effort late on. 5 Photo: JPI Media
11. Ross Stewart - 6
Plenty of industry as ever, but service into the box wasn’t good enough. Went close with one effort from a Pritchard cross. 6 Photo: JPI Media
12. Corry Evans (sub) - 5
Brought on seconds before the Shrewsbury goal, a decision that Johnson might not have made had he known. Tidy enough in possession but little impact ultimately. 5 Photo: JPI Media