Rotherham defender Michael Ihiekwe opened the scoring when he headed home a corner in the first half, while Sunderland struggled to create chances in the opening 45 minutes.
Alex Neil made some attacking substitutions in the second half, with Alex Pritchard, Jack Clarke and Elliot Embleton entering the fray.
Yet it took until the 88th minute for the hosts to draw level when Ihiekwe headed Clarke’s cross into his own net.
Our chief SAFC writer Phil Smith has delivered his verdict on how each Black Cats player fared at the Stadium of Light:
13. Mason Burstow (sub) - 5
At least give Sunderland something of a focal point and presence in the box, but with little sight of goal. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
14. Alex Pritchard (sub) - 6
Added more tempo and intensity as Sunderland finally began to build some pressure to go with their possession. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
15. Timothee Pembele (sub) - 5
Didn’t have many chances to get forward on his debut, but did draw with one save with a decent header. 5 Photo: FRANK REID