Leicester City's play-off hopes were dealt a shattering blow as they were denied a much-needed victory by a last-minute penalty at the King Power Stadium.
City looked to be heading towards their first win in nine league games when Jeff Schlupp headed City back in front with 15 minutes remaining, after Nikola Zigic had cancelled out Curtis Davies' own goal.
But then David Nugent brought down Wesley Thomas in the penalty box and Chris Burke denied City the chance of going back into the play-off places from the penalty spot.
City were looking to end their longest winless streak since the end of the 2006-07 season, one which has left their play-off hopes hanging by a thread.
Blues boss Lee Clark had said his side would try to capitalise on any nerves around the King Power Stadium and the way City started the game there was plenty of tension.
But it was City who took a lead in the 12th minute when Matty James' corner was headed into his own net by former Leicester loanee Davies, who was under pressure from Wes Morgan.
Blues defender Paul Robinson almost gave City a second with a woeful header which Jeff Schlupp seized on but Jack Butland demonstrated why he is so highly rated.
England keeper Butland made a couple of other vital stops, notably from Andy King and David Nugent, and the latter dragged a right-footed strike past the far post.
Michael Keane also wasted a gilt-edged chance midway through the half as he put a free header from a corner over the bar.
Kasper Schmeichel was just as busy as Butland in the first half as Nathan Redmond twice tried to beat the Dane at his near post.
He also had to produce a good block to deny Robinson at the far post.
There was always the sense City would need a second goal and it was proven correct when, after concerted pressure, Birmingham got the equaliser through Zigic.
City were still creating chances, but continued to waste them – Schlupp rattling the woodwork with a fierce strike.
The youngster did not drop his head. In fact, he used it superbly to head City in front with 15 minutes remaining from James' corner.
However, referee Mick Russell had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot when Nugent bundled into substitute Wesley Thomas and Burke hammered home the spot kick.
