After service overseas with the Canterbury Infantry Battalion during World War I,[1] Dan McBeath made his first-class debut on Christmas Day 1917 for Otago against Canterbury, opening the bowling and taking 6 for 52 and 3 for 50.

[2] Transferring to Canterbury in 1918–19, he was the leading wicket-taker in the Plunket Shield, taking 25 wickets at an average of 17.68.

He was selected for both matches New Zealand played against Australia at the end of the season, and took six wickets.

[10] At this stage in his career he had played 11 first-class matches and taken 81 wickets for 1133 runs at an average of 13.98.

[19] He toured Australia with the New Zealand team in 1925–26, playing in two of the state matches, with moderate success.