Skipper Karimov struck a fine individual goal seven minutes before half-time as Uzbekistan took advantage of a favourable wind at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium in Khobar.

However, the midfielder was at fault as Australia equalised after 49 minutes when he lost the ball inside his own area to Tahj Minniecon who promptly found the back of the net.

The result leaves both Uzbekistan and Australia on four points at the top of the standings with one match to play against Thailand and Jordan respectively.

Karimov posed problems for the Australia defence throughout the first-half and fired an early warning shot, cutting in off the left wing before shooting over the bar.

Murod Khalmukhamedov hit a free-kick off target before Karimov’s inswinging set-piece from the left touchline created panic in the Australia defence until it was frantically cleared.

Kenja Turaev shot narrowly over and Oybek Kilichev saw his effort turned behind for a corner as Uzbekistan tried to take full advantage of a breeze that pegged Australia back in their own half for much of the opening 45 minutes.

On one of the Young Socceroos’ few forays into the Uzbekistan area in the first period, James Holland found Mitchell Nichols who hit a weak shot wide across the face of goal.

The rain began to fall as the interval approached but Karimov needed no assistance from the elements as he bobbed and weaved his way around three would-be tacklers on the left edge of the Australia penalty box.

The captain made space for himself and unleashed a fierce right-foot shot that left goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne with no chance as Uzbekistan held the advantage at the break.

But Karimov lost concentration less than three minutes into the second-half to allow Australia to level.

Minniecon dispossessed the Uzbekistan skipper inside the area and showed good composure to slot the ball low beyond goalkeeper Doniyorjon Usmonov.

Karimov then attempted to make amends and dribbled down the left touchline, switching one way and then the other as he tried to cross before trying a clever chip over Redmayne, who was relieved to see the ball drift over the frame of the goal.

Turaev almost capitalised on a loose pass but could only shoot straight at Redmayne before the striker had another shot turned round the post by the Australia goalkeeper.

The Young Socceroos enjoyed the lions’ share of possession in the final quarter of an hour but could not find a route through the resilient Uzbekistan defence.