Stoke had the first sight of goal inside nine minutes as Million Manhoef curled an effort just wide after good build-up play on the left between Eric Bocat and Sorba Thomas.
But after 21 minutes, Blackburn struck as Forshaw converted well from the edge of the area after being set up by Ryan Alebiosu.
Balazs Toth denied Sam Gallagher an equaliser six minutes later after he was found by Rak-Sakyi.
With half-time looming, Alebiosu hung the ball up to the back post, but Yuki Ohashi could not guide his header on target.
Stoke levelled four minutes before the hour mark when Rak-Sakyi applied a close-range finish to Manhoef’s byeline cross.
Soon after, Rak-Sakyi was found by Lewis Baker but fired wide, squandering an opportunity to complete a turnaround.
Both sides pushed for a winner. At one end, Baker fired over, while a deflected Todd Cantwell cross forced Gavin Bazunu into action at the other.
Stoke’s frustration was compounded when Phillips was dismissed for a second bookable offence after a challenge on Ohashi.