Both sides lead at times during the contest, with Nasser Al Shamrani equalising in the 79th minute after Tomi Juric appeared to net the winner on 71 minutes.

Mat Ryan, given the nod in goal despite a recent knee injury, made a crucial late save to preserve a point, keeping Australia top of the group on seven points.

The Socceroos are ahead of Saudi Arabia on goal difference, with Japan and UAE both six points after both winning on matchday three.

Australia are next in action on Tuesday night against Japan in Melbourne.

The Green Falcons hit the lead after just five minutes with Yehya Al Shehri cutting back for Taisir Al Jassim to drill home a low shot after an intricate piece of passing.

Trent Sainsbury levelled on the stroke of half-time, glancing in a header from an Aaron Mooy corner.

Australia went ahead after an injury pause on 71 minutes, when Massimo Luongo released Robbie Kruse on the right side of the box.

The Bayer Leverkusen winger whipped in a low cross which Juric met at pace, powering in at the back post past Saudi stopper Yasser Al Mosailem after his wayward clearance.

Al Shamrani levelled less than 10 minutes later, after another good Saudi move, with Al Jassim breaking into the box.

Al Jassim's low cross found its way to Hassan Muath Fatallah whose miscued effort on goal was slid home by Al Shamrani.

Ryan produced a brilliant late save from a one-on-one with substitute Fawad Al Muwallad, before Mark Milligan cleared off the line to salvage a point.