Poland missed much of their trusted defence against the Dutch group leaders, with Jan Bednarek (injury), Przemyslaw Wisniewski (suspension), and goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski (injury) replaced by Kamil Grabara, Jan Ziolkowski, and Tomasz Kedziora.
The Netherlands, who would secure their World Cup ticket with a win in Warsaw, were without right-back Denzel Dumfries after the Inter star sustained an injury in the team's training camp. Sunderland's Lutsharel Geertruida, therefore, got his first Oranje start since March.
The hosts, who trailed the Netherlands by three points, created a very early chance which should've put the Poles in the lead, but Atalanta's Nicola Zalewski couldn't fire in a fine cross from Matty Cash, smashing it over Bart Verbruggen's goal from close range.
Poland manager Jan Urban was forced to deal with yet another injury as Fenerbahce star Sebastian Szymanski had to withdraw from the contest after 13 minutes with a groin injury. Former Leicester City talent Bartosz Kapustka replaced the creative midfielder.
It took 24 minutes for the visitors to record their first attempt at Grabara's goal - an effort from distance from Donyell Malen that sailed over the bar.
A poor Oranje were exposed defensively when Robert Lewandowski sent Jakub Kaminski through on goal with no Netherlands defender near him. The FC Köln midfielder easily beat Verbruggen in the one-on-one, giving Poland the lead just before half-time.
The Netherlands restored the order very soon after the break when Memphis Depay scored his 55th Oranje goal from the rebound of Donyell Malen's missed header.
Bart Verbruggen was forced back into action shortly after the goal, expertly saving a close-range shot from Lewandowski.
Poland fought for their chances following the Dutch goal, but a short barrage was the last bit of proper action for a while, as Poland fans threw flares onto the pitch, prompting the game to be temporarily halted.
The two sides fought out a cagey game that mostly took place in midfield, with neither team able to create many chances in the final thirty minutes in Warsaw. Michal Skoras was the first to threaten the Netherlands, but met Verbruggen on his way in the 82nd minute.
Ryan Gravenberch took Grabara under fire in the 87th minute and forced a save out of the Wolfsburg stopper. A special attacking change followed for Oranje, where Emmanuel Emegha was brought on for his debut, replacing the country's all-time top scorer, Memphis Depay.
Oranje took no risks in the six minutes of added time, keeping the ball in possession as time ticked away in their favour until the 97th minute flashed up on the stadium screens, which showed a final score of 1-1.
Poland need a miracle
By securing the draw in Poland, the Netherlands all but secured their ticket to next year's FIFA World Cup. With one game remaining, Oranje are only three points ahead of Poland, but boast a superior goal difference of +19 over Poland's +6.
The Netherlands will close out their qualifying campaign in Amsterdam, where Lithuania will be the opponent on Monday. Poland will face Malta, who beat Finland earlier on Saturday, in Ta' Qali on Monday.