Irvine took charge of West Brom for the first time in the top flight since being named head coach in June, but his side made a poor start at The Hawthorns as Lee Cattermole hit an unstoppable 25-yard drive that flew into the top corner.
The hosts equalised shortly before half-time when referee Neil Swarbrick awarded a controversial penalty for a tug on Victor Anichebe from Valentin Roberge and Berahino confidently dispatched the spot-kick.
Berahino then put the hosts ahead from close-range after a fine lofted cross from debutant Craig Gardner, but Sebastian Larsson rescued a point for Sunderland late on with a finish from close range.
Irvine said: "Saido Berahino is a very talented player.
"He has a love for the game, works really, really hard in training and has a great future ahead of him."
Irvine, however, lamented West Brom's inability to see out the victory and make a winning start to the campaign.
"Overall I'm disappointed because we let in a late goal and I thought we'd see it out," he added.
"I was also disappointed with how it was conceded.
"[But] the supporters were fantastic. I loved it when they made lots of noise. They were fabulous."
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