The Millers took the lead at Deepdale when Alex Revell ran half the length of the pitch before firing under goalkeeper Declan Rudd to give his side a 21st-minute advantage.
North End were disappointing and uninspiring in the first half as the supporters sounded their disapproval at the half-time whistle.
However, they hit back through Garner's remarkable strike four minutes after the break which meant that, for the third time this season, Simon Grayson's men drew with Evans' charges - this game ending 1-1
Garner took a cross-field pass on his chest, flicked the ball over Kari Arnason's head and unleashed a first-time volley over goalkeeper Adam Collin to score a marvellous technical goal.
"It has taken the goal of the century to break us," admitted Evans.
"If there is a better goal in the play-offs this year then I'll wake up a chicken. But after that our keeper hasn't got a save to make.
"We caused a good team real problems; when you break down their squad it really is quite scary what they have got," added Evans.
"We go level and if the second leg is like that it will be a fantastic game and now we have the opportunity for our fans to come and make as much noise as them.
"It's an acceptable result, it's not a good result because we usually see that as winning but it is an acceptable one. I don't think it's advantage anyone, it gives us a chance but we know they have some top players. We know it will be extremely tough to beat them."
Source PA