Zwolle looked in prime position to climb above their opponents in the table as they led 2-0 at half-time through Sainsbury - who was substituted with 18 minutes remaining - and Lars Veldwijk efforts.
But the hosts hit back after the break when Janio Bikel and Anthony Limbombe both found the back of the net, with neither side being able to go on and find a winner.
Feyenoord reclaimed second spot after a comfortable 3-0 win over Heracles.
Eljero Elia's 31st-minute strike laid the foundations of the win, but Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side had to wait until the final 10 minutes to make the game safe as Dirk Kuyt and Michiel Kramer struck in the 83rd and 90th minute respectively.
Heracles were reduced to 10 men in the build up to Kuyt's goal as Ramon Zomer was booked for a challenge on the former Liverpool man before immediately receiving a second yellow when he grabbed Kramer by the throat.
Willem II boosted their chances of climbing away from danger with an easy 3-0 win over strugglers Cambuur.
Guss Joppen opened the scoring after 12 minutes, Erik Falkenburg added a second with 10 minutes remaining while Stijn Wuytens wrapped things up in the 88th minute.
Elsewhere, there was a stalemate between Roda and Groningen - Rostyn Griffiths was an unused substitute for Roda,
